Barcelona manager Xavi has seemingly aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes ahead of the two teams meeting on Thursday evening.
The two European heavyweights provided a thrilling 90 minutes of action in a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou last week. The score means it’s all left to play for this week at Old Trafford though, and Erik ten Hag will have his players riled up to finish the job on home turf.
Fernandes may be one player who is even more adamant about putting an exceptional shift in after Xavi’s comments today. Speaking to Times Sport, the Spanish manager assessed the forthcoming challenge that awaits his squad in England, whilst also analysing what Ten Hag has built so far at the club.
“He [Ten Hag] is very good, I like him a lot. He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players. That speaks well of him. Tactically he is very good and he handles the dressing room very well. He is getting all the talent out of his players. You see [Jadon] Sancho, [Marcus] Rashford, the Portuguese guy [Bruno Fernandes]. And look how Fred is playing…”
Bruno Fernandes is the cog that keeps United going
That ‘Portuguese guy’ will be looking to add to his 26 goal contributions in just 34 appearances across UEFA competitions on Thursday. He could even add to his United tally of 57 goals and 47 assists, which cemented his place as one of the best midfielders in world football.
Our No.8 is one player that does not need inspiration to perform on the biggest occasions, but I really hope he puts on an exceptional display in the second leg – and I don’t doubt he will.
Fernandes has been the club’s talisman since his arrival and is absolutely irreplaceable at the heart of our midfield.
Portuguese guy? Try Portuguese Magnifico.
Spain v Portugal = old rivalry. Gentle wind-up rather than nasty dig, methinks.