Solskjaer defends ‘Immense’ Fernandes After Criticism News

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Solskjaer defends ‘Immense’ Fernandes After Criticism

By Daily sports on January 20, 2021

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended Bruno Fernandes after the Portuguese playmaker drew criticism for his performance in the 0-0 draw against Liverpool.

The 26-year-old has hit the ground running after arriving from Sporting Lisbon last January, scoring 19 goals and providing 14 assists in just 32 Premier League appearances.

Fernandes’ player of the month award for December was a record-breaking fourth of the year but the midfielder has failed to scale the same heights in the opening weeks of 2021.

He was below par in Sunday’s match between the champions and league leaders at Anfield – something pointed out by former United captain Roy Keane.

But Solskjaer described the playmaker as “absolutely immense” and does not believe the hectic festive schedule has taken its toll on him.

“His form is very good, he’s just been voted player of the month (for December),” the Norwegian boss said on Tuesday. “He’s not tired, no chance.”

“He is one of the players who covers the ground in every game. He’s very good at recovering and recharging his batteries.

“If he scored his free-kick (against Liverpool) or if it just had a little air on the ball when Luke (Shaw) put the cross in he’d have been lauded as the best player in the Premier League again.”

The United boss has underlined the importance of maintaining the club’s strength in depth during the January transfer window, meaning he will have to be careful when deciding who can follow Timothy Fosu-Mensah out of the club.

•PHOTO: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Bruno Fernandes

Source Daily sports

Posted January 20, 2021