Bruno Fernandes has been hitting the headlines for the right reasons as Manchester United continue their impressive quest for a Champions League spot, with Paul Scholes crediting Michael Carrick for getting the best out of the club captain, who Nicky Butt is desperate to keep at Old Trafford beyond this season.
After another impressive showing at the weekend, in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa, the Portugal international now has 16 assists in the Premier League this season.
Fernandes is now in contention for Premier League Player of the Year in the eyes of many, meaning he could win the club award for a record fifth time.
The form shown by Fernandes of late coincides with United being well on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League, having won seven of their last nine matches in the Premier League under Michael Carrick.
What do you think? Will Bruno Fernandes shatter the Premier League assist record?
Can he do it?!
Paul Scholes not underestimating Michael Carrick’s influence
Perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Carrick has been able to get the most out of United’s midfield since becoming head coach.
Not only has he reintroduced Kobbie Mainoo to the starting line-up, much to the delight of United fans, but he also settled on how to get the best out of a trio that also consists of Casemiro and Fernandes.
Fernandes took the headlines at the weekend following his two assists for Casemiro and Matheus Cunha. There were two delightful goals with the Portuguese Magnifico showing his best form.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Good, The Bad, The Ugly podcast, Paul Scholes opened up about Fernandes’ influence on the team as well as the role Carrick has played in getting the best out of him.
Scholes looked at Fernandes, who is now playing as a No.10 rather than the more disciplined role he was asked to play under Ruben Amorim for the majority of 14 months.
“Every time he gets the ball he looks like he’s going to create, going to score,” Scholes said.
“Give Michael credit, Michael’s put him in the right position.”
Scholes added that Fernandes brilliance shines even after some questionable performances from the team of late: “More than anything it’s his brave-ness. It doesn’t always come off for him, United weren’t great for a few games, but all of a sudden, bang.”
This is a completely different tone expressed from when Scholes appeared to have an unnecessary dig at Carrick following United’s recent defeat against Newcastle.
Nicky Butt, who agreed, added: “It’s not a coincidence that he’s now playing where he should have been playing for the last two years and he’s playing really well.”
Are Roy Keane’s concerns valid? Or is he just adding needless negativity to the Michael Carrick debate?
Nicky Butt sends firm warning to Man Utd over Bruno Fernandes
Last summer, there was talk of Fernandes receiving a big offer from Saudi Arabia.
The 31-year-old remained and most United fans will want to see him in a United shirt next season.
Though nothing has been confirmed from the club’s stance, that is set to be a talking point ahead of the World Cup in the summer.
Fernandes is a crucial player for United and Butt stresses exactly that.
Butt said: “Man Utd cannot let him go. No matter what it cost them, Man Utd cannot let Bruno Fernandes go. Give him anything he wants to keep him. If they let him go, the fans will go absolutely nuts.”
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