Bruno Fernandes jokingly asks Lisandro Martinez to work on his speed

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Bruno Fernandes has jokingly asked his Manchester United teammate Lisandro Martinez to work on his speed while the centre-back is with Argentina for the 2022 World Cup.

The 24-year-old Argentine started his 14th consecutive Premier League game since making the switch to Old Trafford from Ajax in yesterday’s 2-1 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Instead of coming up against the physically imposing Aleksandar Mitrovic, United’s number six found himself going toe-to-toe with Brazilian marksman Carlos Vinicius.

The former Benfica striker, who spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, isn’t as physically intimidating as the powerful Serbian, but the 27-year-old does have a deceiving turn of pace.

Martinez discovered this in west London yesterday when Fulham’s number 30 was making runs into the channels.

The nine-time Argentina international is by no means a slouch and he once again defended diligently and looked his usual calm and composed self in possession.

Bruno Fernandes jokingly asks Lisandro Martinez to work on his speed

Clearly not letting Cristiano Ronaldo’s bombshell interview effect the positive mood in the United dressing room, Fernandes couldn’t resist mocking Martinez’s pace following the win against the Cottagers.

Commenting on Martinez’s Instagram post, United’s number eight, who wore the captain’s armband in London yesterday replied: “Please train for speed in the selection.”

Since coming back into the United side after missing last Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park due to serving a one-match suspension, Fernandes has one goal and two assists from his last three matches, which have come without Ronaldo being in the side.

United’s Portuguese magnifico looks a better player and released off the shackles when he’s not playing alongside his outspoken wantaway compatriot.

But it’s not just Fernandes who looks better off without playing alongside Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag’s team look a far more formidable outfit when not catering to Ronaldo’s goalscoring needs.