Speaking to The Athletic, Bruno Fernandes has been discussing the perceptions of his game and how he’s been compared to other players.
Fernandes, whether he likes it or not, is one of the most scrutinised players in the Premier League, with fans and pundits alike jumping on any and every mistake the Portuguese ace makes for Manchester United.
It’s fair to say that Fernandes feels he’s been rather unfairly treated in the past, comparing the discussion around his game to the discussion around Nicolas Pepe’s. Stating that the Arsenal man has been cut more slack despite his underwhelming performances for Arsenal.
What’s been said?
Fernandes spoke about the discussions around himself and Pepe.
“He (Pepe) had some bad games and everyone was saying, ‘He still has to adapt’,” Fernandes said.
“But when Bruno was having a bad game, it was just because he was moaning or not focused on the game. For me, that was good, because it meant that I was ready and that’s why they were demanding so much from me.”
Victim of his own success
Fernandes feels as though the discussions around his game have been rather unfair, and we can’t help but agree.
Yes, Fernandes hasn’t been at his best over the past 12 months or so, but let’s be honest, a below-par Fernandes is still better than most players.
The reality is that Fernandes is pretty much a victim of his own success. After netting 26 goals in his first season-and-a-half at Old Trafford, everyone was expecting Fernandes to continue to be a star, but the reality is that these types of levels are unsustainable for most players.
The Man United star deserves to be cut a bit more slack, and we can’t help but feel as though he wouldn’t be so scrutinised if he hadn’t started so brilliantly when he came to England.
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