Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai responds with humour after Bruno Fernandes reveals his son’s surprising favourite player

A light-hearted exchange between two of the Premier League’s leading midfielders has captured attention after Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes disclosed that his young son’s favourite player is not a team-mate but Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. The revelation, shared publicly and met with a witty reply from the Hungarian international, has offered a brief moment of warmth amid the usual intensity of the rivalry between the two clubs.

Fernandes, who has established himself as one of the most productive midfielders in English football since joining United from Sporting CP in January 2020, has accumulated more than a century of goals and assists combined for the Red Devils. His creativity and leadership have been central to the side’s performances, most notably last season when he set a Premier League record with 21 assists as United finished third and secured a return to the UEFA Champions League after a one-year absence. Szoboszlai, by contrast, has been at Anfield since the summer of 2023 and has contributed 23 goals across nearly 150 appearances in all competitions. This campaign he has already found the net once in two Premier League outings.

Bruno Fernandes: “My son was playing football and he was telling me he was Szoboszlai. When he said Szoboszlai I was like; ‘What?!’”

Dominik Szoboszlai: “Gotta admit, your son’s got good taste @B_Fernandes8 😏😂🤝

Bruno Fernandes: “@_SZD10 Great taste for sure 😉 If he learns… pic.twitter.com/XCgmdQclHp

— MUFC Scoop (@MUFCScoop) September 3, 2026

The conversation between the pair, highlighted by the account MUFC Scoop, began with Fernandes recounting a domestic scene that clearly took him by surprise. “My son was playing football, and he was telling me he was Szoboszlai. When he said Szoboszlai I was like; ‘What?!’” the United skipper posted. Szoboszlai responded in kind, writing: “Gotta admit, your son’s got good taste @B_Fernandes8😏😂🤝.” Fernandes then closed the exchange with further goodwill: “@_SZD10, Great taste for sure 😉 If he learns to kick the ball like you, then I will be very happy 😅💪🏼.”

The exchange stands out precisely because it cuts across the competitive divide. Supporters of both clubs are accustomed to sharp words and intense scrutiny whenever the two sides meet, yet here the captains of opposing midfields found common ground in a child’s uncomplicated admiration. For Fernandes, the moment appears to have been equal parts amusement and pride that his son had chosen a player of genuine quality. For Szoboszlai, the reply was characteristically understated and good-humoured, acknowledging the compliment without overstatement.

Both clubs have endured uneven starts to the new Premier League season, adding a layer of shared context to the interaction. Manchester United began with a surprising 2-0 defeat away to promoted Hull City, who had earned their place in the top flight via the Championship play-offs. Michael Carrick’s side responded emphatically in their next outing, thrashing Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford. Fernandes was central to that recovery, scoring three times and being involved in four of the five goals. United now prepare for an away fixture against Everton on Sunday before opening their Champions League campaign four days later at home to competition newcomers Sabah.

Liverpool’s early results have been equally mixed. They required a late Szoboszlai penalty, converted deep in stoppage time, to secure a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United in their opening match. A second successive 2-2 result followed at home to Nottingham Forest, with the Reds recovering from a deficit on two occasions. Under new head coach Andoni Iraola, the side will look for a first victory of the campaign when they travel to Ipswich Town, before hosting Atlético Madrid in their first Champions League league-phase fixture five days later.

The contrasting fortunes of the two midfielders mirror the broader narratives surrounding their clubs. Fernandes continues to shoulder creative responsibility at United, producing the kind of decisive contributions that have defined his time in England. Szoboszlai, still building his Anfield legacy, has already shown the capacity to deliver in crucial moments, as demonstrated by the equaliser at St James’ Park. That a child of one should idolise the other only underlines the respect that exists between elite players even when their teams are competing for the same points and trophies.

In an era when social media often amplifies controversy, the brief dialogue between Fernandes and Szoboszlai has been notable for its simplicity and lack of edge. No digs were exchanged, no rivalry was stoked; instead, a father expressed mild astonishment at his son’s choice and the player in question accepted the praise with a smile. For supporters following both clubs through the early weeks of the season, it provided a welcome reminder that football still contains moments of uncomplicated human connection.

As United and Liverpool continue their respective campaigns, the focus will inevitably return to results and performances. Fernandes will be expected to drive United’s attacking play in the fixtures against Everton and Sabah, while Szoboszlai will hope to help Liverpool convert draws into wins against Ipswich and then against Atlético Madrid. Yet the exchange over a child’s favourite player is likely to linger in the memory longer than many of the more routine midweek updates. It is a small story, but one that humanises two high-profile professionals and offers a glimpse of the game beyond the tactics and the table.

Whether Fernandes’ son eventually develops a left foot to match Szoboszlai’s remains to be seen. For now, the Liverpool midfielder can enjoy the knowledge that his reputation has reached the next generation in the most unexpected of households, while the United captain can take quiet satisfaction in the fact that his child’s taste in players is, by mutual agreement, rather good.