Robin van Persie details one similarity between Bruno Fernandes and Wayne Rooney

Robin van Persie has explained that Bruno Fernandes is willing to play out of position for the team, a similar trait that his former Manchester United partner, Wayne Rooney, did.

Erik ten Hag’s side were victorious against Barcelona on Thursday evening and it was a mixed night for United’s Portuguese Magnifico.

He was the one who gave away the penalty in the first half, that Robert Lewandowski slotted away, before assisting Fred’s equaliser and pushing The Reds towards the win.

Starting the game on the right flank, Fernandes was tasked with defending the offensive-minded full-back Alejandro Balde. It was a difficult task and he might not have won that battle whilst he was on the right in the first half.

In the second half, Fernandes returned to his more familiar role through the centre and it took him two minutes before finding the killer pass. His persistence was impressive throughout.

Robin van Persie, who won the Premier League with United in 2013, recognises that Fernandes is a player that will do anything to help his side win, a trait that he says the Portuguese midfielder shares with Wayne Rooney.

Rooney played in multiple different positions throughout his career to help the likes of Van Persie, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy flourish. It is something that the former Arsenal man appreciates.

“It shows as well that Fernandes plays on the wing, and great players do that for the team,” the Dutchman told BT Sport.

“Rooney did it as well in his time, many times, on the wing. It’s like when you are a great player, you are a team player. When the team needs you on the wing, then he does that.

“He is showing he wants to win, for the team, for everyone. And even as a winger, he is still doing well, but I do agree with Owen (Hargreaves) that in the centre of the pitch, he is, by far, the best.”