Brentford boss Thomas Frank has highlighted Bruno Fernandes as one of many Manchester United players who could have a big say in tonight’s Premier League clash.
Speaking to Brentford’s official website, Frank named the Portugal international as one of a number of United stars he fears.
Fernandes was certainly the difference-maker in United’s last Premier League outing.
He wore the captain’s armband and bagged a brace against Aston Villa at the weekend, although a late comeback from Steven Gerrard’s side meant the spoils were shared.
The midfielder’s performance at Villa Park was arguably one of his best in what has been a relatively poor season compared with his usual standards.
Perhaps spurred on by being named skipper, the 27-year-old set an example to the rest of Ralf Rangnick’s side.
His first goal should have been saved by Emiliano Martinez but there was nothing the goalkeeper could do about the second, which kissed the crossbar on its way to the back of the net.
Frank assessment of Fernandes
Rangnick will ask exactly the same of Fernandes when United make the trip to Brentford’s shiny new stadium tonight.
Meanwhile, Frank will be hoping for the opposite. He said: “(Manchester United) are one of the biggest clubs in the world with unbelievable players.
“They could have (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Edinson) Cavani, two of the best strikers in the world, (Bruno) Fernandes, who has been one of the best offensive players in the Premier League over the last 18 months, (Marcus) Rashford, (Mason) Greenwood, and (Jaden) Sancho, who are three young promising players for England.
“I could name the whole team. On their day they can produce magic out of nothing. Against Aston Villa, Fernandes created two chances out of nothing.”
Mystery behind Manchester United vs Brentford
Although Frank clearly knows a lot about Rangnick’s contingent, the battle between Brentford and United is built on uncertainty. The two clubs haven’t faced each other since 1975, with their initial top-flight meeting postponed because of covid.
Meanwhile, Man United fans remain in the dark over their current team’s identity as the interim manager continues to seek a winning solution.
One route he shouldn’t take, however, is to leave Fernandes out of the starting XI just as his scoring touch has returned.
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