Manchester United legend Louis Saha has slammed the 'lazy' criticism of current Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes. The Frenchman has said that the 31-year-old is facing the same flak as legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo did during his second stint at Old Trafford.
Louis Saha backs Bruno Fernades
Ronaldo and Fernandes are two of the most impactful players in the history of Manchester United. The former scored 145 goals and 73 assists in 346 games for the Mancunian side, while the latter is likely to improve on his current record of 103 goals and 93 assists in 304 games.
In an interaction with Boyle Sports, Saha appreciated Fernandes' attitude, work ethic and passion for United. The 47-year-old said:
"Bruno Fernandes is always showing the tempo, showing the commitment, and showing class on a regular basis. The kind of criticism this guy has been under just amazes me, it's a very cheap way to comment on football sometimes, just by claiming people should do this or do that."
“Comparisons between Fernandes and Roy Keane are understandable because he is the focal point of this team. We also saw that with Cristiano Ronaldo. They get criticism because of it, it’s the lazy way to just comment on the focal point. Now we can see that the structure (at Manchester United) is better, he is thriving. That's why I think when you look at Bruno's contribution, it's just enormous, and it's not just about the numbers. It's his running, his intensity, and his capacity to sometimes show rage in his own way," Saha added.
Fernandes will be seen in Manchester United's Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday, December 21.
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes makes big claim regarding Cristiano Ronaldo
Portuguese star player Bruno Fernandes has claimed that his national team needs to adjust to suit the style of play of captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 40-year-old is the all-time top goal scorer in international football, with 143 goals in 226 games for Portugal. Despite his stats many believe hat Portugal play better without him in the lineup.
Fernandes has rejected those claims, saying that it is the team's mistake if they can not accommodate their star captain. In an interview with Canal 11, the Manchester United midfielder said:
"Cristiano inside the box continues to be a very high-level player. He draws defenders and creates space for other players... I know what people think, that it's clear we play better without Ronaldo, that the players are freer and more fluid. I think that, if that happens, it's partly our fault. We can't worry if Cristiano is on the pitch, because Cristiano can give us things."
With the UEFA Nations League win this summer, expectations will be high for Portugal in what is likely to be Ronaldo's sixth and final appearance at a FIFA World Cup.