Bruno Fernandes is the 'teacher's pet' but he's misfiring just when Man United boss Erik ten Hag needs him most... his stats are way down and he looks more frustrated than ever before
Daily MailBruno Fernandes grew up 10 kilometres away from Porto in the Maia region and, if former Manchester United Benni McCarthy is to be believed, is a ‘massive’ Porto fan. Bruno Fernandes was penalised for a high boot on Porto's Nehuen Perez late in Thursday's draw against Porto The Man United skipper received his marching orders, having already picked up a booking earlier in the game Fernandes trudged off the pitch to the sound of thousands of jeering Porto fans as his side chased a leveller Fernandes, much like Cantona was, is a polarising figure with his on-pitch demeanour making him a villain for opposition supporters and a source of frustration for followers of United. ‘Bruno is a very important player for us,’ boss Erik ten Hag said in his captain’s defence on Thursday night following the 3-3 draw in Porto. Former skipper Harry Maguire was United's hero against Porto, as he nodded in the equaliser in the 91st minute Ten Hag will hope Fernandes can wake from his slumber in time to inflict damage on Aston Villa on Sunday ‘The influence he brings to the other players as captain, I can’t speak highly enough of him,’ sporting director Dan Ashworth said of Fernandes after he signed a new and improved deal until 2027, with the option of a further year, on the eve of a season.