'Bruno Fernandes Is Not A Leader, Doesn’t Work Hard Enough And Doesn't Track Back', Says Simon Jordan

Bruno Fernandes is a "luxury" player who "doesn't work hard enough" for the team, according to talkSPORT presenter Simon Jordan, who has not held back in his criticism of the Portuguese midfielder.

It is being widely reported that Fernandes is on the verge of penning a new five-year contract at Manchester United on 'hugely improved' terms, report Sky Sports.

The 27-year-old, who has scored nine goals in all competitions for United this season, is expected to earn £240,000 per week after penning a new deal - which means he will double his current salary.

Despite suffering a dip in form this season after such a productive start to life in Manchester, it appears United are backing one of their star players as they prepare to hire a new manager.

But amid speculation surrounding Fernandes' long term future at Old Trafford, former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has slammed the midfielder's leadership skills, amongst other traits.

"He's not a leader," Jordan says. "He doesn't work hard enough, doesn't do enough off the ball and doesn't track back - he's a luxury player."

You can see that brutal assessment of Fernandes below.

This isn't the first time Jordan has criticised Fernandes this season. Back in December, the 53-year-old said he had "fallen out of love" with the midfielder after his disappointing start to the 2021/22 season with United.

Image credit: Alamy

Jordan's remarks came after both Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo were criticised by Gary Neville, who hit out at the pair for "whinging" at their teammates during a 1-1 draw against Newcastle at St James' Park.

"Should Fernandes and Ronaldo have such influence? Well here rages the argument," Jordan said on talkSPORT.

"We were talking about Ronaldo coaching from the sidelines earlier on in the season. We are talking about his influence full stop.

"That was when you had a lightweight manager in the dugout. Nice fella, decent manager but not a Man United manager in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"You've now got Rangnick that, credentials-wise, is not a Man United manager, but football nous-wise is in the same sort of category as [Marcelo] Bielsa in terms of reputation. He doesn't necessarily have the silverware to go with it.

"I've well fallen out of love with Fernandes. I think he's been reading his own press for some time. I think he is probably the chairman of the Bruno Fernandes fan club.

"He's got a view on how he will play and that ridiculous remonstration to the Man United fans after the Watford game was absurd.

"His performances have not been where they started. Maybe that's because of tortoises and hares mentality."

Image credit: Alamy

Thoughts on Bruno Fernandes earning a new deal at Old Trafford? Do you agree with Jordan?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Simon Jordan, Premier League

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_