BARCELONA boss Xavi forgot Bruno Fernandes’ name ahead of his side’s trip to Manchester United.
The LaLiga team face the Red Devils in the second leg of the Europa League play-off round on Thursday with the tie level following a 2-2 thriller at the Nou Camp.
Ahead of the game, Fernandes’ name appeared to escape the mind of the Barca manager, who called him “the Portuguese guy”.
He praised the work that his dugout rival Erik ten Hag has done at the Red Devils when it comes to improving individuals.
Xavi said to The Times: “He is very good, I like him a lot.
“He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players. That speaks well of him.
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“Tactically he is very good and he handles the dressing room very well.”
Xavi also went on to highlight four Man Utd danger men while dropping the clanger when it comes to Fernandes’ name.
The Barcelona legend said: “He is getting all the talent out of his players. You see [Jadon] Sancho, [Marcus] Rashford, the Portuguese guy and look how Fred is playing.”
Fernandes is enjoying a fine season, having taken the captain’s armband off Harry Maguire when he is regularly on the substitutes bench.
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The attacking midfielder has played 36 times for Man Utd this season, scoring seven goals and registering nine assists.
Meanwhile, Rashford is in even better form in front of goal, finding the back of the net 24 times in all competitions.
He appears to have struck up a good connection with Fred, who has assisted the England star twice in two games, including in the first clash with Barcelona.
The Catalan giants supposedly have a plan to beat United, claims ex-Manchester City ace Ferran Torres.
But they may have to do it without a number of key players amid fitness concerns and without Gavi as he is suspended.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
