FC Porto boss Vitor Bruno warns players to “control” one Manchester United dangerman

FC Porto manager Vitor Bruno has warned his players to “control” one Manchester United dangerman in their Europa League clash on Thursday.

Manchester United are shifting focus to the Europa League following a disappointing run of Premier League results this season.

Currently sitting 13th in the table, the club is just six points clear of the relegation zone and eight points off the top. Losses to Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Brighton have deepened United’s struggles.

The recent defeat to Spurs has intensified the pressure on Erik ten Hag, making the upcoming away games against FC Porto and Aston Villa crucial for his job at Old Trafford.

One player the manager will need in these games is Bruno Fernandes, who has had a slow start to the season.

The Portuguese midfielder has been underwhelming and was even sent off against Spurs – however, that has since been overruled, so he will not face a ban.

Despite his struggling start, many fans will be hoping that Fernandes is able to start making an impact in the final third and Porto’s manager Vitor Bruno is well aware of the danger his fellow countryman possesses.

The 41-year-old manager has warned his players to try and limit Fernandes’ impact on the game but he admits that United’s club captain will be keen to perform against his former club’s rivals.

“An international player is always a quality player,” responded Porto’s boss when asked about criticism towards Fernandes this season.

“Besides that, he also played in Sporting, so for sure he will want to make a great performance tomorrow.

“The way he was sent off in the last match, I don’t think it was reasonable at all.

“He is a very good player; a very, very good player. We must be very aware, control him, not let him do the way he likes to play, and always be ready to control his style of playing.

“The way he passes the ball, the way he put something across the face of the goal, the way he can dribble and shoot… we cannot give him space.”

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