Manchester United's woes deepened off the pitch following their on-field disappointment, as captain Bruno Fernandes became the victim of a malicious social media hack. The incident unfolded hours after the Red Devils suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, marking an early exit from the prestigious tournament.
A Bruising Night On and Off the Pitch
The hacking episode began late on Sunday night, compounding a miserable day for the club and its skipper. Fernandes had played the full 90 minutes in the disappointing cup loss, a result that highlighted United's inconsistent season. While the team licked its wounds, Fernandes's verified X account, dormant since October and followed by over 4.5 million users, suddenly became active.
The hacker initially posted content related to cryptocurrency, asking followers for assistance in "making a coin" and feigning confusion over crypto platforms. The tone quickly turned hostile and targeted towards Manchester United's recent struggles.
Mocking Messages and Provocative Posts
The individual controlling the account did not hold back, directly taunting the club's poor form. Posts included statements like "Man Utd are in the dumps" and "This is why I need to get paid more." The hacker escalated the situation by tagging high-profile accounts, including YouTuber KSI, darts champion Luke Littler, the England cricket team, and adult film star Bonnie Blue.
One particularly provocative post resurfaced the image from Liverpool's infamous 7-0 victory over Manchester United at Anfield in March 2023, pouring salt on the fresh wound of the FA Cup elimination. The hacker even sarcastically replied to a public apology from teenage United prospect Shea Lacey, who was sent off in the Brighton match.
Club's Response and Regaining Control
Manchester United acted swiftly to address the breach. The club's official X account issued a clear warning to supporters, stating: "Bruno Fernandes' X account has been hacked. Fans should not interact with any posts or direct messages."
Despite this official statement, the hacker continued to post, even mocking the situation with comments like "Aren't you having fun?" The posts were eventually deleted by late night as club officials worked with the platform to regain control of the account. Fernandes, who is not an active user of the platform, had last posted in October to commemorate his 300th appearance for the club.
A Growing Concern for Elite Athletes
This incident places Bruno Fernandes on a growing list of elite footballers and athletes who have been targeted by online hackers. It underscores the increasing digital vulnerability faced by high-profile sports personalities, where their massive social media reach becomes a target for malicious actors seeking attention or causing reputational damage.
The breach served as an unwanted distraction for the Portuguese midfielder and the club, adding an embarrassing digital chapter to an already disappointing night of football. It highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures for public figures in the sports world.
