David de Gea Sends Cheeky Message to Bruno Fernandes After PFA Awards Snub

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has responded to a playful exchange involving Bruno Fernandes after the United captain was recognised at the latest PFA Awards.

Fernandes was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year following an outstanding individual campaign in which he produced one of the most productive seasons of his career. The Portuguese midfielder set a new assist record during the campaign, further strengthening his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most influential creative players.

The award was presented to Fernandes by his former Manchester United team-mate Juan Mata, creating a reunion between two players who shared the pitch at Old Trafford.

Mata later added another former United star to the story by posting a photograph of himself with Fernandes on social media. Alongside the image, he jokingly questioned why de Gea had not been invited to the celebration.

Mata tagged the Spanish goalkeeper and wrote a light-hearted message suggesting that de Gea had somehow been left out of the occasion.

Fernandes quickly responded, continuing the joke at his former team-mate’s expense. The United captain suggested that there was a simple explanation for de Gea’s absence: he claimed the goalkeeper would not have been willing to pay for dinner.

Fernandes then softened the joke by adding that he still loved his former colleague.

De Gea, however, decided to take the banter even further. The 35-year-old goalkeeper responded through his own social-media story with a deliberately crude joke aimed at both Fernandes and Mata.

In typical playful fashion, de Gea told the pair to come over and “eat my balls”, accompanying the message with a laughing emoji.

The exchange quickly attracted attention from Manchester United supporters, particularly because the three players share a long history at Old Trafford.

De Gea spent more than 12 years with Manchester United after joining the club from Atletico Madrid in 2011. During his lengthy spell in England, he developed into one of the world’s most highly regarded goalkeepers and became one of the most recognisable figures at the club.

His time at United eventually came to an end in 2023, when he departed after more than a decade between the posts. Despite leaving the club, he has maintained strong connections with several of his former team-mates.

Mata was also an important member of United’s squad during the same period. The Spanish midfielder arrived at Old Trafford in January 2014 after moving from Chelsea.

Known for his technical ability, intelligence and professionalism, Mata spent eight years with the club before leaving in 2022.

Fernandes joined Manchester United considerably later, completing his transfer from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020. Since arriving in England, he has quickly established himself as one of the team’s most important players.

The Portuguese midfielder eventually took on the responsibility of captaining United and has become the central figure in the club’s midfield and attacking play.

His latest individual honour reflects his influence. Fernandes was the only Manchester United player selected in the PFA Team of the Year, with the overall XI heavily dominated by players from Arsenal and Manchester City.

Although United endured another challenging campaign, Fernandes’ individual performances were strong enough to earn recognition from his fellow professionals.

The PFA Players’ Player of the Year award is particularly prestigious because it is voted for by fellow footballers. Winning it therefore represents significant recognition from players who understand the demands and standards of competing at the highest level.

Fernandes has also enjoyed considerable success in Manchester United’s own end-of-season awards.

The midfielder has won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Season award five times during his career at Old Trafford. He most recently collected the prize last season, extending his personal record.

Three of those victories came consecutively, highlighting just how consistently important he has been to the club since his arrival.

Interestingly, de Gea enjoyed a similarly impressive record during his own Manchester United career.

The Spanish goalkeeper was selected in the PFA Team of the Year on five occasions, making him one of the club’s most frequently recognised players in the annual awards.

He was also voted Manchester United’s Player of the Season four times. Three of those awards came in successive campaigns between the 2013-14 and 2015-16 seasons.

Those achievements underline just how important de Gea was to United during some difficult periods. While the club struggled for consistency at various points, the goalkeeper frequently produced outstanding performances and made crucial saves.

His contribution was particularly important during seasons when United’s defensive structure was under pressure.

Fernandes has inherited a similar responsibility as the club’s leading creative player and captain. However, despite his impressive individual recognition, the midfielder has recently faced criticism following United’s disappointing start to the new campaign.

Manchester United opened their season with a 2-0 defeat away from home against Hull City. The result immediately raised questions about the team’s performances and prompted criticism of several players.

Fernandes was among those targeted by former United midfielder Paul Scholes, who delivered a particularly strong assessment of the captain’s performance.

The criticism comes at a time when Fernandes is expected to lead United through another important rebuilding period.

As captain, he carries significant responsibility both on and off the pitch. His ability to create opportunities, score goals and provide leadership remains central to United’s hopes of improving their fortunes.

The PFA award nevertheless provides a reminder of the midfielder’s individual quality. Being recognised by his fellow professionals after a record-breaking season represents a major achievement, even if United’s overall results have not matched his personal success.

The light-hearted exchange with de Gea and Mata also demonstrated the strong relationships that remain between former Manchester United players.

Despite moving on from Old Trafford, de Gea and Mata continue to interact with Fernandes, with their social-media banter showing that the friendships formed during their time together at the club have survived their departures.

For Fernandes, however, the focus will quickly return to football.

Manchester United are preparing for their next Premier League fixture against Ipswich at Old Trafford on Sunday. After suffering defeat in their opening match, the club will be desperate to respond with a much stronger performance in front of their home supporters.

Fernandes will be expected to play a leading role in that response. As captain and one of the team’s most experienced attacking players, he will need to demonstrate the qualities that helped him win the PFA award.

The challenge for Fernandes is to translate his impressive individual form into greater team success.

While awards and personal records provide recognition for his performances, Manchester United’s ultimate ambition is to compete at the top end of the Premier League and return to the Champions League.

The coming weeks will therefore be important for both Fernandes and the club.

For now, the Portuguese star can enjoy his PFA Players’ Player of the Year award and the amusing reaction from his former team-mates. De Gea’s crude response may have provided a few laughs, but Fernandes will know that the more serious task is preparing Manchester United for their next opportunity to put things right on the pitch.