“We cannot give him space” - Porto manager identifies danger man in Manchester United team ahead of Europa League showdown
FC Porto boss Vitor Bruno has warned his players that they should not give space to Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes. He believes that the Portuguese can trouble them if he has time on the ball.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game on Thursday night, Bruno stated that he did not think Fernandes should have been sent off against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend. He believes that the midfielder has the quality to change the result of matches, saying (via Metro):
"An international player is always a quality player. Besides that, he also played in Sporting, so for sure he will want to make a great performance tomorrow. The way he was sent off in the last match, I don’t think it was reasonable at all. He is a very good player. A very, very good player."
"We must be very aware, control him, not let him do the way he likes to play, and always be ready to control his style of playing. The way he passes the ball, the way he put something across the face of the goal, the way he can dribble and shoot… we cannot give him space."
Talking about Ten Hag, the FC Porto manager added:
"There’s a coach in Portugal called [Carlos] Carvalhal, he coaches Braga and he worked in the Premier League and the Championship, and he also said, at the end of the match, they go together and drink a glass of wine. If Ten Hag wants, the dressing room is open for him."
FC Porto and Manchester United are winless in their Europa League campaigns this season. While the Portuguese side lost to FK Bodø/Glimt, the Red Devils were held to a draw by FC Twente.
Manchester United star backed by Erik ten Hag to get better
Erik ten Hag was asked about the form of Bruno Fernandes this year and the Manchester United manager stated that he was not worried, claiming that the Portuguese star will find his feet soon. He said ahead of the game against Tottenham (via Forbes):
"I think he is capable and he has proven himself already so many times in the Premier League. He can create many chances. I am convinced he will not do differently. He will find his form. He is already creating chances but he will make final passes, he will score goals. 100 percent and it is just a matter of time."
Bruno Fernandes was sent off against Tottenham for a high challenge on James Maddison. However, the FA have overturned the red card and the Manchester United captain will be available for the side's next domestic games.