Bruno Fernandes' hand over his ears celebration has become synonymous with the Portuguese star... But what is the real reason behind the gesture

Manchester United have secured their captain for another three years after Bruno Fernandes put pen to paper on a new contract, committing his future to Old Trafford.

The Portuguese midfielder has played a significant role for The Red Devils since his arrival in January 2020. Claiming three Player of the Year awards - and has been one of the few players who has provided consistency in their performances over the last few years.

The 29-year-old not only creates scoring opportunities for Erik ten Hag's men but he also puts them away, having registered at least ten goals each season since his arrival.

His eye for goal and consistency in finding the back of the net, has forced him to create a signature celebration which has now become widely recognised as his own amongst the footballing world.

Although many fans may think Fernandes' trademark 'I can't hear you' celebration is a direct message to his haters, it actually has a deeper meaning, which relates to his daughter.

Why does Bruno Fernandes cover his ears when he celebrates?

Fernandes revealed back in 2020 the real reason why he celebrates all of his goals by covering his ears.

Speaking to Manchester United, the 2018-19 Nations League winner with Portugal explained that the celebration was a nod to his daughter Matilde.

As when she was younger she used to cover her ears with her hands anytime she was asked to put things away at home by her parents.

Going into further detail about the origins of his celebration he told Manchester United's official website:

'In Portugal, when I was playing, and I started my second season in Sporting, my daughter was growing up, you know.

'Sometimes, me and my wife, we talk with her and she started doing like this [puts his fingers in his ears] after she started doing this. And so, I picked this to celebrate the goals for her.

'I need to talk with Sky because, every time I did this, it never comes [out] so, all the time, when I call her after the game she tells me – you don’t do it! 

'I need to send photos sometimes, look I do it!" he laughed. 'You see?

'Now she knows every time I do that for her. In the beginning, she didn’t know but now she knows, every time, it’s for her.'