Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes received some backlash from former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, after the Portuguese aimed some criticism at fellow teammate Alejandro Garnacho. The United academy player had a night to remember as he scored his maiden goal for the Red Devils in a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
Garnacho has been a bright spot for United this season, after they have had a turbulent campaign so far. The teenager has worked hard and been patient for first-team chances at Old Trafford, and Ten Hag has rewarded him with 2 starts in 4 Europa League outings. Garnacho grabbed the opportunities with both hands and after a blistering display against Sheriff, he finally got his name on the score-sheet against Sociedad.
Bruno Fernandes cites lack of right attitude as the reason for Garnacho’s limited chances
While all hailed the Argentine prodigy for his impactful performances in his last two games against Sheriff and Sociedad, Bruno Fernandes rather reasoned for the winger’s limited chances so far this season. As there is no doubt Garnacho possesses immense talent, Fernandes claimed he didn’t have the right attitude initially to earn more minutes of first-team football. Talking to reporters after United’s win, the 28-year-old said:
“He [Garnacho] was good but he knows we expect a lot from him. Obviously he’s still really young, he’s doing really well. At the beginning of the season he was not at his best. In the [pre-season] tour he didn’t have the best attitude that he should have, and that’s why he didn’t get his chances until now. He’s getting his chances because he’s training better, he’s got a different attitude and he’s deserving his chances.”
Bruno Fernandes’ assessment came as a rather surprising one, since it looked as if he was apparently aiming a dig at the youngster. At 18, Garnacho has already made it to a dressing room which bears Cristiano Ronaldo, and has even shared the pitch now with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. His achievements have been scintillating, but it is quite understandable it will take time for him to adapt at such a tender age.
Chris Sutton, a former Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers wasn’t happy with the United star’s comments as he felt it were downplaying Garnacho’s stellar display against Sociedad. Sutton told BT Sport:
“Totally unnecessary [Bruno Fernandes’ comments]. The message which I think Erik ten Hag wants coming out of Manchester United is that it’s harmonious. I was really surprised at that. He could’ve used different language. Garnacho had a brilliant game tonight, he was the one real threat Manchester United had. I don’t get that from Bruno. He’s better than that.”
Nonetheless, United now move on from their group stage campaign as they will now have to contest a two-legged play-off against one of the 8 clubs dropped down from the Champions League to qualify through to the Round of 16. This comes after they failed to win their clash against Sociedad with a two-goal lead, handing them a second place finish in the Group E.