Fernandes told to improve key area of 'weakness' by Man Utd old boy (original) (raw)

Bruno Fernandes could work on his defending if he wants to become an even better player, according to former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Midfielder Fernandes has had a stunning impact on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s side since his arrival in January.

The 26-year-old has contributed to 34 goals in his 35 games since his move from Sporting. Indeed, as well as his direct contributions, he has acted as a leader across the pitch for his teammates.

He showed such prowess again with a goal and an assist in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir. But while Berbatov admires Fernandes’ “phenomenal” attacking potential, he says that the midfielder could work on his defending.

“Fernandes has impressed me so much and the only weakness I see in him is his defensive side. He can improve a bit there,” the pundit told Betfair.

“He’s an attacking midfielder, though, who creates chances, scores goals and up the pitch is where he has his power. That’s why I think it’s good to have someone in the team to cover for him.

“Other than his defensive weakness, he is doing everything that the manager wants from him and, with 20 goals since he joined in January, he’s certainly scored more than people expected.

“He is phenomenal in the passing and scoring department and since he joined the club he is doing everything that he needs to do.”

Berbatov also drew comparisons with former teammate Paul Scholes for Fernandes’ first goal on Tuesday.

The midfielder latched onto a header away from a United corner with a venomous strike into the roof of the net.

Fernandes, Scholes comparisons

“The opening goal in the win, that Bruno scored from outside the box, was amazing,” Berbatov said.

“Let me tell you, that technique is so difficult to do. I was never a big specialist at scoring from outside the box.

“Fernandes’ strike was Scholes-esque, that was his specialty, you could imagine Paul Scholes scoring that one, when the ball comes across to him, bam and into the top corner. It was perfect execution.”

United return to action on Sunday with a Premier League clash against Southampton.