Arsenal legend Martin Keown had some controversial opinions about Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, when speaking on Match of the Day.
Looking ahead to this Wednesday’s Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, fans will be eager to see who provides their club with the moments of magic needed to win a fixture of this gravity.
One player who will no doubt be highlighted in this regard is United captain Bruno Fernandes, who has no doubt been the Red Devil’s standout player this season.
Last week, Fernandes’ hard work this season was officially recognised, with the player equalling a record set by Cristiano Ronaldo, winning United’s player of the season trophy for a fourth time.
But despite this, and in a season where he has been both United’s top goal scorer and assist provider, with 19 of each in 54 games, Keown still doesn’t see the midfielder having a good game.
Keown makes outrageous claim about Fernandes
On Match of the Day 2, the ex-Premier League defender spoke about the two clubs involved, with the former Arsenal man seeming to favour his old North London rivals, Spurs.
Keown said: “I know it could be a long night, maybe Manchester United will look for extra-time and penalties but I feel like Spurs can win this.”
On Fernandes, Keown then outrageously claimed that he feels the club captain will put in a performance that will disappoint. “I don’t think he’ll turn up on the night. I actually think Dominic Solanke might be the standout player. £65 million will be like a snip if they win it.”
However, fellow pundit Danny Murphy disagreed with Keown, suggesting that Fernandes is the only player on both sides who can produce a final-winning moment.
Murphy said: “I think Manchester United have the only player in both the sides whose reliable in the big games and can create magic: Bruno Fernandes. I think he’s been a shining light and he’ll make the difference.”
Keown could not be more wrong about Fernandes, and the stats show it
Many United fans will quite rightly be offended by Keown’s claim; the 30-year-old has not only been their best player this season, but is also one of the Europa League’s best players ever.
He ranks joint-ninth on the all time UEL scorers list, with 27 goals, and also ranks third for assists, with 23. He is also joint top scorer in the UEL this season with 7 goals.
In terms of cup finals, Fernandes’ record isn’t bad either, with one goal and one assist across three finals, including two FA Cups (both against Man City) and a UEL final against Villareal in 2021.
None of these stats will matter on Wednesday, though, as football’s unpredictability will take over, allowing one team to write themselves into the history books and lift this elusive European trophy.
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