Gary Neville argues that Erik ten Hag must do one thing to improve Bruno Fernandes

Former Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes that the club captain would be more effective under stricter guidance from Erik ten Hag.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville argued that Erik ten Hag must force Fernandes to maintain his position and contribute to repeated patterns of play.

Neville said: “I think about Bruno Fernandes, he’s obviously the best player in terms of talent – but he’s everywhere. He must be being told to go and do what he wants. 

Read More: Sunderland want Amad Diallo despite Manchester United’s clear transfer strategy

“I don’t think Bruno Fernandes is that type of guy.”

The former England fullback believes that consistent patterns of play are crucial to success in modern football and this is something that Manchester United is lacking.

“I think Ten Hag is giving him the freedom to go everywhere, and actually, that means you can never have a combination or a pattern – when you’ve got your main midfield player everywhere on the pitch.

He compared the Dutchman to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who Neville said is constantly shouting at his players from the sideline, forcing them to maintain position.

The 48-year-old said: “I never see Ten Hag going up to him and telling him to get back into position.”

Former United captain Roy Keane and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also criticised Fernandes on the podcast, saying that his lack of discipline is “costing” the Red Devils.