Bruno Fernandes Hits Back At Critics For Saying He Doesn't Perform Against The 'Top Six'

Bruno Fernandes has hit back at critics who say he hasn't performed against the Premier League's 'top six' teams this season.

It has been a quite remarkable campaign for the Manchester United midfielder. He's scored 22 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this season, assisting 13 times in the meantime.

But despite his run of form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, many have taken aim at Fernandes' influence against the bigger teams.

For example, in last weekend's clash against Chelsea, he lost possession more times than any other player (20) and was dribbled past the most times (four) while only creating one chance throughout.

In fact, Fernandes has scored just one goal and zero assists against the top six this season, which was in Manchester United's 1-6 loss to Tottenham.

He may have been Manchester United's player this season so far, with many placing him in competition for individual awards at the end of the season, but many are still not convinced with those performances when it matter most.

Bruno, meanwhile, has now responded to those claims and he hasn't held back.

Former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson for a number of years, believes Fernandes is "trying to hard" in these games.

"When he influences games, he's on the ball a lot." he told Stadium Astro.

"He drifts everywhere, players are more than happy to give him the ball and he's established a link with the front players like Rashford. But the bigger teams do their homework.

"They know that if you can stop Fernandes getting on the ball or into danger areas and stop the passing lines he's looking for, you basically stop Manchester United from creating anything."

Bruno Fernandes

Meulensteen continued, saying: "He's trying too hard maybe at times and that's why things don't work.

"Sometimes less is more. Be a little calmer, make sure you influence the game and keep it ticking over.

"That's what I feel is missing to give United a real rhythm of play."

Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Football, Manchester United, 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_