Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre believes Bruno Fernandes and co can be the difference in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
Silvestre, who won the Premier League four times during his time at Old Trafford, has been speaking ahead of the derby.
The Frenchman highlighted the much maligned Fernandes as a potential game winner for the Reds – as well as Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
“Clearly the odds are in favour of Manchester City,” Silvestre told Betting Expert. “I’m not even talking about the defeat to Fulham but with the amount of injuries, it’s a tough ask to go and do it (at the Etihad).
“City have lost games this season. They’re. not going to lose many more and United won’t have many chances in the game. They’ll have to take every chance that they get.
“It will be a difficult game, with a lot of defending and running after the ball. And it’s clearly in favour of the City
“More than ever, this is going to be a collective effort to grab the three points. You expect your Rashford’s, your Bruno’s to create chances. In the decisive moments, Garnacho can step up.
“So, it’s not like the team is lacking weapons. It’s a fair fight as it’s 11v11 but right now, City are clearly more dominant than United.”
Fernandes has not shown his best form this season, but the Portugal international provided a crucial assist in United’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. The win helped secure our place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
While his performances have dipped this season, it is still clear that other teams target him when they play against United. Erik ten Hag has demanded Fulham apologise for a mocking TikTok they made of Fernandes, as per Sky Sports.
The video joked over a perceived dive and Ten Hag felt it was inappropriate.
Fernandes overcame an injury from the win over Fulham to play in Wednesday’s cup tie.
When asked whether United are lacking leadership on the pitch, Silvestre said: “I don’t feel they are lacking leadership. A team needs 11 leaders, we can’t blame individuals for not taking responsibility or showing the way.
“Everyone needs to show character, especially when Erik ten Hag doesn’t have the best eleven to choose form.”
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