Former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew dropped a bizarre compliment on Bruno Fernandes after he called the Manchester United captain a “strange player.”
Bruno Fernandes has been an integral figure in the Manchester United first team since he completed his stunning move to Old Trafford from Sporting CP in 2020.
The 29-year-old Portuguese midfielder was an important player for former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after he was snapped up in a deal worth £47m.
United manager Erik ten Hag has also kept faith in Fernandes and rewarded him with the club’s armband after Harry Maguire was stripped of the captaincy.
Fernandes has made 33 appearances across all competitions for United this season and has scored seven times and registered seven assists.
The Portugal midfielder has only managed to find the back of the net three times in 24 Premier League appearances in the current campaign.
Fernandes has faced criticism this season over his attacking output, as well as his United captaincy being brought into question over his behaviour on the pitch.
Despite the pressure that the United star has come under, Erik ten Hag has backed Fernandes as his captain and the Portugal international has weathered the storm.
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Pardew talks Man Utd star Fernandes
Speaking on talkSPORT, Alan Pardew highlighted a key stat involving Bruno Fernandes’ run at Manchester United.
According to the ex-Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss, Fernandes has created more chances than any other player in the Premier League.
However, Pardew pointed out that his stat spotlighted that the “end product” from United had been lacking, despite Fernandes’ creativity on the pitch.
Pardew told talkSPORT: “He is a strange player, isn’t he?
“Because he has this incredible stat – he creates more chances than anybody else in the Premier League apparently.
“According to my stat man here, and yet, the end product this year hasn’t really been there.”
Ten Hag opens up on Fernandes’ influence
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website earlier this month, Erik ten Hag said that Fernandes has shown the “right example” since his time at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman added that United’s skipper “always brings the energy for the team” and is thrilled that he has had the opportunity to work with Fernandes.
“First, he is our captain and I think he often gives the right example, by his attitude in training and in games,” Ten Hag said.
“He always brings the energy for the team and, yeah, he’s very important for us, by creating chances.
“So, it’s a pleasure to work with him. I hope he will play many more years for Manchester United.”
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