Ex-Premier League referee cites Raheem Sterling as controversial Man United footage analysed
Keith Hackett has suggested Man United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is gaining a reputation for going down easily among referees.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League official suspects the 27-year-old has been “found out” along with the likes of Raheem Sterling.
Man United lost 1-0 at Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.
As shown on Sky Sports (22 May), Fernandes went to ground inside Palace’s 18-yard box after a coming together with Joel Ward during the second half.
The United midfielder was frustrated with referee Martin Atkinson’s decision to wave play on.
VAR official Peter Bankes also did not adjudge Fernandes to have been illegally hauled to the ground and chose not to intervene.
When asked by Football Insider if Fernandes goes do ground too easily, Hackett said: “I am all for referees understanding and knowing the players they are officiating and the tactics they employ.
“Players have to adapt when players get to know them.
“Look at the example of Raheem Sterling, he was a bit of a diver at the beginning of the season but he is not a diver now. Players adjust because referees find them out.
“Tyrone Mings can be a bit naughty. I would have him in my team, don’t get me wrong, but he can be naughty. Referees know that.
“I think this is the case with Fernandes.”
In other news, Man United have been told by a pundit to ‘cut their losses’ after a ‘painful’ David de Gea reveal.