Former Manchester United hero Nani insists that Bruno Fernandes is not the problem at the crisis-hit Premier League giants while instead pointing the finger at the Portugal international’s teammates.
With the captain’s armband clasped around his bicep, Bruno Fernandes was always likely to become something of a lightning rod for the criticism coming Manchester United’s way this season.
As Harry Maguire will tell you, life as the Red Devils’ skipper is not for the faint hearted.
Fernandes found himself buried under an avalanche of disapproval following Sunday’s insipid 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City. If United legend Roy Keane had his way, the captaincy would be stripped off Fernandes immediately, and handed over to a man he feels is better suited to handle such a high-pressure role (Sky Sports). Nani, however, sees things differently.
Is Bruno Fernandes a problem at Manchester United?
“We have Bruno Fernandes. If Bruno Fernandes wasn’t playing well, I’d criticise him too. But, for example, the sacrifice and effort he puts into the game, he does it. We see it,” the 2008 Champions League winner tells B24’s 1Para1 podcast of his fellow Iberian.
“He works hard, gives his all, and contributes. It’s just that many others don’t keep up with him.”
Nani has a point. Fernandes, even during Man United’s poorest displays, never hides. Not every pass comes off, not every shot hits the target, but there are certainly a few other players in Erik ten Hag’s embattled dressing room who could stand to learn from the Portuguese’s work ethic, Newcastle waltzing through a Fernandes-less Red Devils side like a knife through hot butter in the midweek Carabao Cup capitulation.
‘No fighting spirit’
“Now, when you watch Manchester play, you see a lot of talent,” Nani adds, summing up a team relying upon moments of individual brilliance as Ten Hag’s tactics become increasingly incoherent.
“Maybe (this squad has) more talent than in our time in terms of technique. They’re all technically gifted. “But when you watch the game, there’s no spirit of sacrifice. No fighting spirit.
“A real player, a star, at Manchester United, has to unlock the game. If they don’t, it won’t work.”
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