Bruno Fernandes struggled against Nottingham Forest
Bruno Fernandes struggled against Nottingham Forest
Just over midway through the first half, Bruno Fernandes, predictably, grew a little tired of the attentions of Ryan Yates and flicked out a dismissive hand. In the grim, pathetic way of the modern Premier League player, the Nottingham Forest captain went down as though he had been chinned.
Thankfully, referee Jarred Gillett was suitably scornful of Yates’s playacting but the semi-skirmish was a small emblem of the Manchester United skipper’s frustration.
Playing in a more forward role, Fernandes had a couple of decent efforts on goal - a shot and a header - but, generally, he struggled to take any sort of command of the game.
If you had offered Fernandes a move to Real Madrid at half-time, he would have definitely taken it. But let’s face it, if you offer him a move to Real Madrid any time soon, he will take it.
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Ruben Amorim did not have to be asked about possible interest from the Spanish giants to wax lyrical about Fernandes. The manager has been doing that since his first day in the post.
And ahead of this contest, it was Nuno Espirito Santo’s turn to rave about Bruno, the Nottingham Forest manager following up his words by giving Yates the man-marking gig.
Bruno Fernandes looks dejected during Manchester United's defeat
Bruno Fernandes looks dejected during Manchester United's defeat
Praise alone, though, is not going to keep Fernandes happy. Once again, there was nothing in his performance to suggest he is anything other than 100 percent committed to the huge challenge facing United and Amorim.
But United’s ordinariness at the City Ground was another reminder to Fernandes of the size of the task he is facing as the leader of this United team on the field.
There is no reason to doubt Amorim when he says Fernandes is a loyal supporter of the club. But the extent of that loyalty will be sorely tested.
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