Tim Sherwood has heavily criticised Bruno Fernandes, claiming the player has taken his place at the club for granted.
Fernandes opened the scoring in United’s 3-0 win over Brentford on Monday night, and while it was a comfortable victory for the Red Devils, it has only papered over the large cracks at Old Trafford.
‘It wasn’t great under but I think they’re even worse under ,’ Sherwood told SuperSportTV after the game.
‘They were good tonight, but it was perfect, standing still football wasn’t it.
‘You know the likes of Bruno, all of a sudden, they want to play, there’s no tackles flying around, you don’t really have to roll your sleeves up and do the dirty side of the game.
‘[No] running back, just play when you get the ball and it suited players like him.’
While Fernandes has managed 10 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season, the attacking midfielder hasn’t consistently delivered this campaign.
The 27-year-old joined United in January 2020 and was an instant hit at the club, winning the Player of the Season award in his first two seasons, and fans will be hoping to see that Fernandes again once incoming manager Erik ten Hag arrives.
‘I was disappointed in his season,’ Sherwood added.
‘I thought he was brilliant when he first come to Man United, he was a breath of fresh air, he hit the floor running. Assists. Goals. Looked like he was working hard for the team.
‘All of a sudden, it looked to me like he thinks he’s doing Manchester United a favour by playing for them. He ain’t that good.
‘He’s talking about [Anthony] Elanga improving and developing but he needs to realise that he’s still got a big developing curve.
‘There are so many better players who have worn that shirt before him, he’s not doing them a favour by playing for them.
‘Hopefully Ten Hag comes in there and explains to him what he needs to do when he’s not in possession of the ball, when the sun’s not shining and everything’s pretty and you just get on with the football that you want to do.
‘Sometimes you have to do what the team needs and I don’t think he steps up to the mark in that regard, but I think ten Hag if he’s organised enough could tell him he’s a massive asset to the football club but he has to tow the line and remember its about the team and not about Bruno.’
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