Former England striker Michael Owen has accused Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes of using 'streetwise' tactics to con referee Simon Hooper during Monday night's thrilling 4-4 Premier League draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
The Controversial Free-Kick Decision
The pivotal moment occurred in the 77th minute with United trailing. Fernandes struck a spectacular free-kick into the top corner to level the score at 4-4. However, the decision to award the set-piece was highly contentious. The ball struck Bournemouth defender Adam Smith on the upper arm from point-blank range after Fernandes fired it directly at him from barely a yard away.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was furious after the final whistle, stating plainly: 'I think it’s a clear mistake. Above the armband. It’s not a foul.'
Owen's Analysis of Fernandes' 'Dark Arts'
Analysing the incident for Premier League Productions, Michael Owen argued that the free-kick should never have been given on technical grounds. He emphasised the proximity and the position of Smith's arm, which was not in an unnatural position.
Owen's central claim, however, was that the decision was solely won by Fernandes' reaction. 'If Bruno Fernandes doesn’t really go mad when that ball hits he never gets it,' Owen stated. He described it as a 'human reaction' from the official, who was swayed by the United captain's vehement protests.
'These little things make a massive difference,' Owen continued. 'If Bruno doesn’t do that, if he’s not living on the edge and being a little bit naughty, then they don’t get that [free-kick] and they don’t score that goal.'
The Impact on a Premier League Classic
The drawn result on December 16, 2025, meant Manchester United dropped more valuable points in their home stadium, despite the late comeback. The match itself was a goal-laden spectacle, but the post-match discussion has been dominated by this single refereeing call and the role player influence played in it.
Owen stopped short of labelling Fernandes' actions as the 'dark arts', instead opting for the term 'streetwise'. His comments highlight the ongoing debate in football about gamesmanship, simulation, and the pressure players exert on match officials.
The incident serves as another flashpoint in a season where refereeing standards and the use of VAR continue to be fiercely debated across the Premier League.
