Paul Scholes has revealed that he never wants to see Erik ten Hag play Bruno Fernandes on the wing again after the Portugal international put in a stellar showing in his natural central position in Manchester United’s 4-1 Europa League win over Real Betis.
The vice-captain was criticised for his display in Sunday’s 7-0 rout at Anfield against Liverpool, where he played on the left flank, with some questioning whether he should continue with the armband. The playmaker responded with a goal and an assist against Betis and was instrumental throughout the 90 minutes while operating in a central attacking position.
Scholes noted his quality performance and made sure to praise his output. He also called on Ten Hag to refrain from putting Fernandes out on the wing again. Speaking while on punditry duty for BT Sport, Scholes said: "They [United] had a little sticky spell before half-time but second half I thought they were fantastic.
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“Some of the players who came in for criticism, Bruno especially, I thought he was brilliant in the centre of the pitch where we know that's his best position. I hope we never see him in a wide area ever again on the football pitch because it's just not his strength, he was so good in the centre of that pitch dictating play."
He added: “I think a lot comes from playing centrally, where he’s more comfortable. He sacrifices himself a lot, being shoved out left and right. He was brilliant today in that central midfield role. I thought it was sensational. Good composure, that's what you expect from a United midfield player and the captain, there was none of them antics.”
Former Reds teammate Owen Hargreaves agreed, saying: “Bruno Fernandes was at the heart of everything good United did today. He was brilliant today. Scoring, setting goals up, honestly, best player on the pitch.” Fernandes now has seven goals and 11 assists across all competitions this season.
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