sport news Bruno Fernandes drives me crazy but wouldn't be so annoying if Man United had ... trends now
I’ve given Bruno Fernandes plenty of stick for his tantrums over the years so it’s time to redress the balance.
He may not be captaincy material in my eyes because of his petulance but he’s also Manchester United’s best player by a mile and the only way they can win a trophy this season.
If he played for a properly decent team like Manchester City or Liverpool, I bet he wouldn’t get half as frustrated.
I’ve always admired players who show courage and Bruno is definitely one of those.
Bravery doesn’t always have to mean crunching into 50-50 tackles. It’s about taking the ball under pressure, knowing there will be groans around the stadium if you lose it but accepting the responsibility of creating for your team.
I’ve given Fernandes stick for his tantrums over the years so it’s time to redress the balance
Yes, his histrionics can drive me and everyone else crazy but it’s about time to acknowledge there are reasons why and understanding why he’s like that.
It’s because he cares and can’t help becoming incredibly frustrated that the players around him in this United team often aren't at his level.
He is one who has to try the defence-splitting pass or take a shot because others won’t.
The Portugal international is also durable. He makes himself available to play every time no matter how difficult the team’s form is.
We can all think of players who might “feel” an injury niggle when the going gets tough and decide to sit out a game or two.
I’ve watched Bruno closely in United’s last matches against Liverpool and Bournemouth. It’s only down to him that Erik ten Hag’s team were able to eke out a result.
That has to be credited and admired. So does his Premier League record of 52 goals and 39 assists in 155 games from midfield - in a struggling United team. Can you imagine his numbers if he was playing in a top side?
He may not be captaincy material in my eyes because of his petulance but he’s also Manchester United’s best player by a mile and the only way they can win a trophy this season
If Fernandes (pictured in the middle) played for a properly decent team like Manchester City or Liverpool, I bet he wouldn’t get half as frustrated
United will rely on him again for producing a bit of magic in today’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry. They’ll be favourites against Championship opposition but it’s Bruno who will carry the attacking burden.
I’m sure that annoying part to his game would subside if United were a more cohesive unit.
I can’t disagree that he should stay more focussed and keep his discipline as the leader of his team. But I understand that behaviour comes from a place of desperation.
Going back to my playing days, if you’re around people who aren’t as capable, it can wind you up and make things difficult.
Bruno is not good at suppressing his emotions but at the same time his contribution has been huge.
You wouldn’t get the same drama from him playing for Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp because he wouldn’t see team-mates lose the ball or make a defensive gaffe as often.
I’ll be interested to see if Bruno can put on a show at Wembley today. The FA Cup always throws up brilliant stories and seeing Mark Robins lead out Coventry against the club where he made his name is certainly that.
Robins is credited with saving Fergie’s job of course with
