‘He’s at Theatre of Dreams, I’m at Theatre of Trees’ – the Fernandes brothers

One is attempting to rebuild Manchester United, the other is attempting to be promoted from the Southern Combination League’s ninth-tier division.

While Bruno Fernandes, 30, leads United at the 75, 000-capacity Old Trafford, known as the “Teatrul of Dreams,” Ricardo, his older brother, works 240 miles away in West Sussex at a venue known as the “Teatrul of Trees.”

Horsham, Roffey FC’s home, had an average attendance of 133 last season, and its name came from its proximity to trees.

Although the Fernandes brothers play at opposite ends of the pyramid of English football, they are more similar than you might expect.

They both captained their club and had incredible goals scored in central midfield while wearing the number eight.

Ricardo’s strike against Seaford Town, which was scored with a 2-0 victory in April 2024, is still frequently shared on social media, recalls Ricardo, who said, “He saw it, it spread on the internet, it was great for me.

Our approach to passing the ball and our play are similar. I’m at the Roffey Theatre of Trees, and he’s at Old Trafford’s “Theatre of Dreams,” and I’m at the “Theatre of Trees” there.

Bruno, a Portuguese international, is five years younger than Ricardo, who raised the brothers in Porto.

Ricardo admits it was “not easy” to control his determination, adding that “he always liked to do some little tricks and make some tackles.”

I had to make an effort to protect him in that way. He always vowed to play alongside older players, but he did so because he excelled.

Five years prior to Bruno signing for Manchester United, Ricardo himself made the move to the UK, making Sussex his home city and launching his Three Bridges FC career.

While Bruno’s goals are more recognisable, Fernandes, Ricardo’ strike against Seaford Town racked up millions of views online.

More than 500 supporters showed up for Roffey FC’s record attendance on Non-League Day earlier this year in March, and he signed autographs there as well.

Officials at Roffey are currently monitoring new supporters in Portugal and Africa, with the latter regularly noticing new ones.

Manager Jack Munday says, “I’ve signed him twice, and he’s scored a few goals that are comparable to Bruno.”