Bruno is our problem, they keep telling me’ – Rio Ferdinand reacts to player’s performance

Bruno is our problem, they keep telling me’ – Rio Ferdinand reacts to player’s performance

 

Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand, has slammed Bruno Fernandes’ critics.

 

This was after after the midfielder helped his side claim a 1-1 Premier League home draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

 

Fernandes put Manchester United in front, capitalising on David Raya’s poor positioning to curl home a free-kick.

 

Bruno Fernandes has been a pivotal figure for Manchester United, often drawing both praise and criticism for his performances and on-field demeanor. Recently, his contributions have come under scrutiny from various football pundits, including former United defender Rio Ferdinand.

 

Manchester United came from the break stronger and squandered multiple chances to double their advantage.

 

Arsenal equalised in the 74th minute through Declan Rice to salvage a share of the spoils from the trip to Old Trafford.

 

With critics often pointing to Fernandes as the team’s ‘problem’, Fernandes retorted with a tweet:

 

Bruno is our problem; they keep telling me.”

 

Fernandes has registered 14 goal contributions in the Premier League in 27 outings.

 

He has scored seven goals and provided seven assists as Manchester United ended the matchday in 14th place.

 

Fernandes could have grabbed a late winner for Manchester United but for Raya’s brilliant double save.

 

In a recent podcast episode, Ferdinand and former United striker Andy Cole discussed Fernandes’s role at the club. Cole expressed his admiration for Fernandes, stating he would have loved to play alongside him due to his creativity and ability. He highlighted Fernandes’s vision and willingness to get on the ball, emphasizing his importance to the team. Ferdinand echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Fernandes’s talent but also pointing out the criticisms he has faced this season, including disciplinary issues and a perceived decline in his contributions.

 

Fernandes’s leadership style has also been a topic of debate. Former United captain Roy Keane questioned Fernandes’s leadership qualities, suggesting that talent alone is not sufficient and emphasizing the need for leaders who lead by example. This critique aligns with observations about Fernandes’s on-field behavior, where his passionate expressions have sometimes been perceived negatively.

 

Despite these criticisms, Fernandes’s impact on the pitch remains significant. In a recent match against Arsenal, he demonstrated his skill by scoring a stunning free-kick. The goal was notable not just for its execution but also for the strategic positioning of teammates Casemiro and Joshua Zirkzee, who obstructed the goalkeeper’s view, facilitating the goal.

 

However, this goal was not without controversy. Arsenal fans were aggrieved upon discovering that their defensive wall was set 11.2 yards back instead of the regulation 10 yards during Fernandes’s free-kick, leading to criticism of referee Anthony Taylor for this oversight.

 

Manager Ruben Amorim has staunchly defended Fernandes amid these discussions, emphasizing his passion and essential role in the team. Amorim highlighted Fernandes’s availability, work rate, and fighting spirit as crucial traits for Premier League performance, underscoring his importance to Manchester United’s aspirations.

 

In conclusion, while Bruno Fernandes continues to be a central figure for Manchester United, his performances and leadership style elicit a spectrum of opinions. Balancing his undeniable talent with effective leadership remains a focal point for both the player and the club.