Bruno Fernandes faces scrutiny ahead of Liverpool clash
Bruno Fernandes has been nothing short of sensational for Manchester United once again this season as the club prepares to lock horns with fierce rivals Liverpool later today, reports BritPanorama.
Fernandes is closing in on the Premier League assists record, with the 31-year-old currently on 19. The record of 20, held by Manchester City and Arsenal icons Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, is therefore well in reach.
Since joining United from Sporting Lisbon in the January transfer window of 2020, Fernandes has established himself as a modern-day club icon. With his goals and assists he’s become a leader for the fallen giants and, in 2023, replaced Harry Maguire as captain. However, former Red Devils star Paul Parker, who won two league titles during his own time at Old Trafford, still isn’t sold on whether Fernandes is of the calibre required.
Speaking to GB News via the home of Online Casino, Parker said: “At the moment in time, at Manchester United, a lot of people are so blinkered about Bruno. I think you have to look at the longer game and ask the question, can you go and really compete for a league with someone like Bruno? He’s been given that role now where he’s further forward, but the problem is that he’s a liability unless you make the game perfect for him.”
When asked to elaborate, Parker explained his grievances: “Because when you haven’t got the ball, he just can’t get around people. He won’t tackle, always chasing back and just the fact of his ill-discipline without the ball. He just wants to chase and chase and chase. He will not stand in a position and believe that’s good enough, he thinks he’s got to chase everything and be seen chasing.”
While Fernandes is vital for United, his long-term future at the club remains uncertain. Given his age, there’s talk the Red Devils may cash in at the end of the season, with Fernandes attracting interest from top clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
But the veteran loves life in Manchester. Opening up on his decision to stay last summer, when he was being linked with a departure, he told Sky Sports: “It’s not a question of loyalty. I could have gone two years ago, I could have gone three years ago, I could have gone last season, but I really like to be here. I think that being successful at this club is something that I can never get at another club. The joy and everything I get, the day I get what I want from this club, I don’t think I will get that from any other club in the world.”
Fernandes understands the passion of the supporters. “I know how much the fans want this, I know how passionate they are. I know how much they are waiting for the club to come back again. I’m on the same ship as them. I want this ship; instead of being steady, I want it to go forward and to navigate as much as we can. Until my contract expires, I’m going to try.”
As the kick-off approaches, the focus will be on whether Fernandes can deliver against Liverpool, in a match that could define not just this season but the trajectory of United in the years to come.
