BRUNO FERNANDES might be trying too hard to make an impact in big games, Rene Meulensteen reckons.
The former Manchester United assistant coach thinks that top-six rivals have worked out how to play against Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes has struggled to make an impact in big games for Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
Rene Meulensteen worked under Sir Alex Ferguson for six years at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – Contributor
The Portuguese superstar cut a frustrated figure in the 0-0 draw at Chelsea on Sunday.
His only goal against one of the Premier League giants came against Tottenham in a 6-1 thrashing last October.
Since then United have been held to 0-0 draws by Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and twice by Chelsea.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his side are not scoring enough goals of late.
And Meulensteen – who was an Old Trafford coach under Sir Alex Ferguson from 2007 to 2013 – thinks Fernandes needs to stay calm.
He told Stadium Astro: “When he influences games, he’s on the ball a lot.
“He drifts everywhere, players are more than happy to give him the ball and he’s established a link with the front players like Rashford.
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“But the bigger teams do their homework.
“They know that if you can stop Fernandes getting on the ball or into danger areas and stop the passing lines he’s looking for, you basically stop Manchester United from creating anything.”
Meulensteen, 56, added: “He’s trying too hard maybe at times and that’s why things don’t work.
“Sometimes less is more. Be a little calmer, make sure you influence the game and keep it ticking over.
“That’s what I feel is missing to give United a real rhythm of play.”
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Solskjaer’s men will be tested again when they face Manchester City on Sunday.
Since their 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on December 12, Pep Guardiola’s team have won 21 games in a row in all competitions.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer forced to defend Man Utd superstar Bruno Fernandes after criticism of display at Liverpool
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
