Bruno Fernandes Hacked After FA Cup Exit Adds to Manchester United Misery
Manchester United’s turbulent season took another damaging turn after their FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton, with club captain Bruno Fernandes revealed to have had his X account hacked just hours after the loss.
The Portuguese midfielder played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford but found himself at the centre of an off-field storm later in the evening when a series of bizarre and offensive posts appeared on his social media account.
United’s latest cup exit compounded an already grim campaign, with Fernandes cutting a visibly frustrated figure as the Red Devils crashed out of their second domestic competition of the season. A late strike from Benjamin Sesko proved only a consolation on a night when Brighton controlled key phases of the contest.
The result leaves United’s hopes of silverware in 2025-26 fading fast. Sitting seventh in the Premier League, their FA Cup elimination follows an earlier Carabao Cup embarrassment against League Two side Grimsby, raising serious questions about direction and confidence at the club.
Old Trafford carried a nervous edge from kickoff, with the crowd aware of the stakes after recent setbacks. United started with intent but struggled to sustain tempo, while Brighton grew into the game through composed possession and aggressive pressing in midfield.
Key moments quickly began to define the contest. Brighton capitalised on defensive uncertainty to seize control, while United lacked clarity in the final third. Fernandes attempted to dictate play but found little space as Brighton closed passing lanes and disrupted United’s buildup.
Brighton’s opener shifted the momentum decisively, draining belief from the home side. United responded after the break with more urgency, and Sesko’s late goal briefly reignited hope, lifting the crowd and injecting urgency into the final minutes.
Despite the late surge, United failed to force an equaliser, with Brighton seeing out the match professionally. Missed chances and hesitant decision-making continued to undermine United’s efforts as frustration spread across the pitch.
As the final whistle confirmed elimination, attention soon turned away from the pitch. Fernandes’ hacked X account began posting erratic messages, including comments critical of INEOS ownership, references to cryptocurrency, and inappropriate remarks involving high-profile footballers and public figures.
Manchester United moved swiftly to clarify the situation, issuing a statement confirming that the posts were not authored by Fernandes and urging supporters not to engage with the content. Most of the messages were later deleted as control of the account was restored.
The incident unfolded against a backdrop of instability at the club. Ruben Amorim was dismissed on January 5 after 14 months in charge, with Darren Fletcher stepping in as interim manager. Fletcher has since overseen a draw with Burnley and the FA Cup defeat to Brighton, further deepening uncertainty.
Looking ahead, Fernandes faces the challenge of leading a fragile squad through the remainder of the season, with Champions League qualification now the primary objective. Speculation around his future has resurfaced amid renewed Saudi Pro League interest, adding another layer of intrigue to a campaign already defined by upheaval and scrutiny.