Xavi Courts Controversy After Referring to Bruno Fernandes as "that Portuguese Guy"

• Barcleona manager Xavi caused a stir by referring to Bruno Fernandes as “that Portuguese guy” during a press conference
• Fernandes has been a crucial member of Ten Hag’s squad this season across all competitions
• Barca and United clash again in the second leg of a Europa League tie, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate a week ago

With no away goals rule in place both sides stand an equal chance of qualifying to the next round

Barcelona boss Xavi risked the wrath of Manchester United fans after appearing to forget Bruno Fernandes’ name during a press conference.

United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Barcelona on Thursday, February 16, in a game which Fernandes was among the stars of the show for the Red Devils.

It was quite an impressive display from United, who managed to get past Barca’s goal twice, in a season which the Catalan giants have only conceded seven times in the La Liga.

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Ahead of the second leg, Xavi spoke at a presser where he was asked about Ten Hag turning United’s fortunes around.

It was during this engagement that the 43-year-old let it slip that he did not know ‘the Portuguese guy’ Bruno Fernandes’ actual name.

"He (Ten Hag) is very good, I like him a lot.” Xavi said as quoted on SportBible.

"He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players. That speaks well of him. Tactically he is very good and he handles the dressing room very well.”

"He is getting all the talent out of his players. You see [Jadon] Sancho, [Marcus] Rashford, the Portuguese guy [Bruno Fernandes]. And look how Fred is playing . . ."

The fact that Xavi did not refer to Fernandes by name did not sit well with United fans, who inevitably took to social media to express their displeasure at the apparent “lack of respect”.

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Others were certain Fernandes would put up another masterclass at Old Trafford to ensure Xavi remembers his name permanently.

"It is time for Bruno to teach Xavi a lesson that will make his name (Bruno Fernandes) to remain in his mouth forever," One fan said.

"Let's wait for the result on Thursday. Even Salah was talking nonsense about Real Madrid but he got humbled last night. Who knows maybe Xavi will be humbled on Thursday since he talks too much," another added.

"Let trend this name 'THE PORTUGUESE GUY' from today onwards after the victory against Barca to gv Xavi more pain," said another fan.

Ten Hag’s message to Man United fans

Sports Brief also reported on Erik Ten Hag’s rally-call to Manchester United fans ahead of the clash against Barcelona.

The former FC Twente boss described the meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson on Wednesday, February 22 as tremendous and used the opportunity to send a rallying call to United fans ahead of two big nights awaiting the club.

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Ten Hag can lead the team to their first trophy since Jose Mourinho won the Europa League in 2017, in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.