Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has responded to criticism directed at him earlier this season by erupting with fine form.
Prior to the March international break, which saw Bruno Fernandes represent Portugal against Denmark over two legs, the Portuguese Magnifico scored his fifth goal in a week as Manchester United beat Leicester City 3-0 at the King Power Stadium.
Fernandes registered two assists and a goal against the Foxes after his hat-trick inspired United’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad to set up a Europa League quarter-final tie with Lyon, plus a strike in the 1-1 draw versus Arsenal.
The 30-year-old, who signed a new contract at United last summer, has 16 goals and 15 assists for United this season.
A few weeks ago, former United captain Roy Keane made the headlines for his criticism of Fernandes during an episode of The Overlap podcast. The current United skipper has responded in the best way possible by letting his performances do the talking.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Paulo Futre hails Bruno Fernandes
Portuguese icon and Atletico Madrid legend Paulo Futre has offered a counter-argument to Roy Keane’s rant about Fernandes.
The former West Ham winger provided three reasons why Fernandes is a legend, while claiming he’d like to see United crowned champions of the Premier League.
“Bruno is a great person and a great player,” Futre told ManUtd.com. “He is a great example to all Portuguese players.
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“He leads the team and hates to lose. And he can decide a match.
“It is difficult currently [for United] but I really want them to succeed – and the same with Ruben and Diogo.
“My preference is for West Ham but I would be happy if United won [the league]!”
United are some way off competing for Premier League titles, but there is no doubt that they would be a lot weaker if it wasn’t for Fernandes.
The three reasons Futre shares for Fernandes being a legend are accurate as they epitomise why he is such an influential player for United. He leads the team, hates to lose and can win football matches.
What’s next for Bruno Fernandes?
Fernandes has returned to United after a busy international break – featuring in two UEFA Nations League matches.
United have the weekend off after crashing out of the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham in the last round, meaning Amorim’s side have another few days to prepare for their next game.
Fernandes will lead the team out against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday night when United hope to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League.
Fellow Portugal international Diogo Dalot is also expected to start against high-flying Forest.