“Never seen…” – Bruno Fernandes SLAMS criticism of ‘quality’ Manchester United teammate

Bruno Fernandes was a standout player for Manchester United during their 2-2 draw away from home against Liverpool on the weekend.

Manchester United earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool in a captivating clash at Anfield.

Ruben Amorim’s side made a strong start to the game and took the lead early in the second half through a stunning strike from Lisandro Martínez.

Liverpool responded quickly, with Cody Gakpo firing into the top corner after beating Matthijs de Ligt on the right flank.

The game took a controversial turn when VAR awarded Liverpool a penalty for a handball by De Ligt mid-way through the second half.

Despite claims that Alexis Mac Allister’s header left the defender no time to react, referee Michael Oliver overturned his original decision, allowing Mo Salah to convert and put Liverpool ahead.

United refused to back down, and Amad Diallo equalised with a superb finish following a well-worked move down the left. In the final moments, Harry Maguire came close to snatching a winner, but his effort flew just over the bar.

Bruno defends Zirkzee after United criticism

Bruno Fernandes was involved in both goals for United and produced a Man of the Match display for the visiting side.

After the game the United captain came to the defence of Joshua Zirkzee, who was booed when he was substituted in the first half against Newcastle last week.

Zirkzee has had a difficult time at Old Trafford since his summer move, but Fernandes believes in his ‘quality’ teammate to turn things around despite the outside noise.

Fernandes also slammed some of the stick the 23-year-old has received after his initial ‘hype’ in the summer, claiming that he needs more time to adapt.

“I was in the stands [against Newcastle] and have never seen something like this,” Fernandes told TalkSPORT. “And it really frustrates and annoys me because he is a player who always gives his all.

“As a player coming into the team from a different league, he needs time to adapt but he has huge qualities.

“He hasn’t shown all the quality but it can’t be, from the first game of the season, everyone was hyping him as one of the best strikers and now everyone doesn’t believe in him anymore.

“We do believe in him inside the dressing room.”

Bruno excelled for United at Anfield

Fernandes is a great captain. He gets berated because he wears his heart on his sleeve but many top captains do the same but don’t play on such an inconsistent team.

His messaging after the game, and the defence of Zirkzee, were the perfect example of why he is a leader that United need right now, and that isn’t getting onto his performance.

Read More: Ruben Amorim refuses to single out ‘essential’ Manchester United star after Liverpool draw, it is perfect management

The Portuguese midfielder might have produced the best performance at Anfield by a United player in a long while, with him dominating the game alongside Manuel Ugarte in the middle.

As he said after the game, though, this team has to produce those kind of performances on a regular basis.

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