'I play in non-league and opponents target me because my brother is Man Utd star'
Roffey of Division One of the Southern Combination Football League are captained by midfielder Ricardo Fernandes, who bears a striking resemblance to his brother
When players face Roffey in Division One of the Southern Combination Football League, they come up against a player with a famous name.
Roffey FC – based in Horsham, West Sussex – are captained by one Fernandes. Not Bruno, but Ricardo, his older brother, who has a striking resemblance to the Manchester United and Portugal star.
Like Bruno, Ricardo captains his side and plays in central midfield. Unlike Bruno, he is not a professional footballer and instead works in the NHS. Also unlike Bruno, his side are enjoying a solid campaign, sitting second in their league after winning their division last season.
There is one downside to being the recognisable brother of one of the country’s most famous faces: being targeted by opponents. “Oh, yes, that happens. I’m not saying every game, but most games," the 34-year-old told FourFourTwo.
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Ricardo can also be irritated by opponents who suggest that he has sponged off his famous and successful sibling. He says that, in fact, he gave his brother – who is five years younger – a leg up, with games as a kid against older boys toughening him up.
"People tend to think, ‘Oh, he’s got this and that because of his brother’, but me and my partner have earned everything ourselves,” he said. “I’m very proud of Bruno, though. I think he always looked at me growing up. We have a five-year age gap and he liked to come and play with me and my mates.
"I had to look after him – I didn’t want my friends kicking my brother if he was nutmegging them! I think that’s how he developed his strong mentality, playing against older opponents.”
Bruno was forced to grow up fast when he turned professional, too, having decided to move to Italy aged 17. He initially suffered from homesickness while playing for Serie B side Novara, but taught himself Italian and flourished, earning a move to Udinese in the top flight.
He went on to sign for Sampdoria and Sporting Lisbon in his country before United splashed out £47million in January 2020. They haven’t regretted their decision since, with the Portuguese midfielder quickly becoming a key player.
Fernandes has 86 goals and 77 assists in 262 appearances for United and was given the captain’s armband by Erik ten Hag two seasons ago. While the team has struggled this season, Fernandes has seven goals and 11 assists in 29 matches.
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