English Premier League
“They don’t like him” Attention seeking star criticized by former Manchester United player
“They don’t like him” Attention seeking star criticized by former Manchester United player
Paul Parker is worried that Bruno Fernandes is making enemies among his Manchester United teammates with his behavior on the pitch.
The 27-year-old looked at his best when running United’s show as they drew 2-2 with Aston Villa on Saturday.
However, he hasn’t always shone this term, as the return of Cristiano Ronaldo seems to hamper his style at times. From being top dog, the Portuguese have had to move to a secondary role in front of his illustrious countryman.
Fernandes has even been accused of passing too much to Ronaldo this season. However, he remains a talented player, and interim boss Ralf Rangnick hopes he will propel the team into the top four.
But former United defender Parker has noticed a worrying trend in Fernandes’ behavior that could drive a wedge between him and his playmates.
“Fernandes is a concern for me,” he told Talk of the Devils podcast.
“Just watching him and the way he portrays himself on the pitch, I’m sure there are players within that squad that don’t like him and what he does on that pitch.
“He brings too much attention to everything while he puts in a bad tackle and he’s telling people to get up.
“He gets tackled himself and he rolls around, and he wants to show he’s got a nick on his sock or something.”
Fernandes has been a revelation since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020. The former Sporting ace has scored 47 goals in 106 appearances in all competitions.
He has only managed just seven goals this season. Parker believes the incident with Villa striker Ollie Watkins highlighted an unsavory side of his character.
“Watkins tried to help him up the other day. He’s a lovely lad, no malice in him,” he added.
“He felt he didn’t do anything and he tried to get him up, wasn’t rude to him and he (Fernandes) pushes his arms up into his face and was very disrespectful to him. All that adds a bit.”
Reports suggest that Fernandes is unhappy with his current contract at Old Trafford.
According to The Athletic, Fernandes wants improved terms on his deal, which is some way short of United’s top earners, Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea.
Parker believes that the 27-year-old, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon 2 years ago, should show more respect to his employers.
“Where are you going to go?” Parker said. “Where have you been before coming to Man United where you have had all this around you?
“No one out there really wanted him. United have grabbed hold of him. I can understand why other clubs haven’t gone to him, I think there is a little bit about him personally that has maybe kept people away.”
In other news, Manchester United are also keen on the midfielder