Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes once again showed his quality in the final third during the FA Cup clash with Newport today.
The United skipper was on hand early on in the game to fire the Red Devils into the lead in typical fashion.
Fernandes has come in for criticism this season at times and his role as captain has been questioned by more than one pundit throughout the season.
However, watching on for the BBC today, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy suggested that for all the criticism Fernandes does get, nobody can doubt his ability when it comes to attacking.
It’s a stunning finish. It starts with Luke Shaw and when it comes to Fernandes on the edge of the box that is a beautiful strike. He gets over it and keeps it down. One thing about Bruno Fernandes – the criticism he gets of his defensive stuff but in the attacking third he is top class,” Murphy said.
Of course, it was yet another test for United, with the magic of the FA Cup well and truly alive during this particular game.
He might have been slated at times and he might throw his toys out of the pram on occasion, but there is no doubt Fernandes is Man United’s best player.
There are other players at Old Trafford who produce in the odd moment, such as Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund. But when it comes to consistency and doing it regularly, Fernandes has been and is still the main man.
Fernandes is going to be vital in anything United achieve this season. Erik ten Hag knows he is so crucial to his team and if they are to get anywhere, Fernandes will be key.
Over time, he might learn the art of being a leader and captain and add to that side of his game.
But in terms of pure quality in the final third, there won’t be a United fan out there who doubts the Portuguese star.
