Former Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has described Bruno Fernandes as 'the brain' in Erik ten Hag's team, hailing his underestimated qualities.
The Portuguese star, who suffered World Cup agony on Saturday, bowing out of the tournament at the hands of surprise package Morocco, has played a key role in the steady progress that United have made under Ten Hag so far this season. He has featured in 20 of the Reds' 21 matches in all competitions so far this term.
Although he has not been as prolific in front of goal as he has been in previous years, scoring just three times up until now, he has played a key role at the tip of United's midfield three. He has formed a good relationship with summer signings Christian Eriksen and Casemiro in the engine room.
READ MORE: Fernandes lashes out after Portugal loss
Much of United's play is often through Fernandes, who has sported the captain's armband for most of this season so far, highlighting his importance. And for former Reds ace Schweinsteiger, the former Sporting Lisbon man is key to making United tick, pointing to his workrate and running statistics.
Schweinsteiger, speaking to United's club website, said: "I call him 'the brain'. Like he literally moves so smart on the field and do you know what, you actually like kind of underestimate [his work rate].
"Of course, he's making his assists, or he is scoring the goals and makes great passes but Bruno Fernandes, he is working very hard. His numbers are high [for the distance] he runs on the field, and I really like watching him because whatever he does, it makes sense."
Fernandes, who has registered three assists alongside his three goals for United so far this season, was at the centre of World Cup controversy following Portugal's defeat to Morocco. He slammed referee Facundo Tello and questioned why an Argentine official was allowed to take charge of a fixture while his nation are still in the competition.
Fernandes said: "Don't touch me, I'll say what I have to say. F*** them…
"I have to say that it is very strange to have a referee refereeing us from a country [Argentina] that still has its team in the competition and we don't have Portuguese referees in the World Cup. Ours referee the Champions League, so they have the quality and level to be here.
"These officials don't referee in the Champions League, they're not used to this type of game, they don't have the pace for it. They clearly tilted the field.
"In the first half there is a clear penalty on me, without a doubt any, because I am isolated and never in my life let myself fall, when I was alone with the goalkeeper and could shoot at the goal. As simple as that."
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