This weekend, Manchester United hosts a revitalized Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. New manager Nuno Espirito Santo is hoping for his second straight big victory.
Bruno Fernandes has been acclaimed by Nuno Espirito Santo as Manchester United’s eventual victor.
Prior to Saturday night’s crucial match at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest’s new manager praised his countryman, saying he is THE competitive warrior in Erik ten Hag’s locker room. Nuno claims that even though Fernandes has assumed the captain’s armband at Old Trafford, the playmaker does not get nearly as much praise as he should.
And he claims that all fellow professionals should look to take a lead from how the 29-year-old sets himself up to succeed. Forest’s chief said: “I have a big admiration for Bruno Fernandes – he’s a big player, a special player.
“I don’t want to say too much but he’s definitely one of the best players in the Premier League. He’s so competitive. Maybe some of the guys in the media criticise him but being competitive inside the game is something I think all professionals should have.
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“It doesn’t mean you can ignore winning, drawing and losing. But it makes a big difference in your life and changes everything so to have this desire of always wanting to win and always wanting to do it makes you grow and makes you better.”
Fernandes himself splits opinion. Manchester United supporters value his contribution to a team that has struggled to live up to the lofty achievements of yesteryear.
In a team short of genuine quality, there is no doubt he can provide the stardust. But to the outside world, while the ability is unquestionable, his niggly gamesmanship rubs people up the wrong way.
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Nuno said, however, there is one place where his reputation is spotless. He added: “People in Portugal have a lot of respect for him. He plays for the national team, he’s captain of Manchester United and, as Portuguese, we are proud of him.
“Especially to the young generation, he represents a lot of good. Not only him, but Cristiano (Ronaldo) and all of these players – we’re very proud they’re doing so well around the world.”
Bruno Fernandes playing for Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes may divide opinion in England – but Nuno insists his reputation in Portugal remains stellar ( Image: AP)
Forest’s boss raced back from the north east on Boxing Day, taking in the second-half comeback by Ten Hag’s side against Aston Villa in his new surroundings in the Midlands.
That was a stand-out result – one that may kick-start Nuno’s reign as he attempts to make sense of the top-heavy squad that has been assembled in the east Midlands.
“It’s not just Bruno,” he added, “Manchester United are a big club with fantastic players. We have to take care of all of them, they’re good.
“And we saw how they came back from behind and how quickly they changed the game, so it will be difficult. We have to compete and improve defensively.
Forest boss Nuno is hoping for another impressive win after beating Newcastle on Boxing Day
“I think we did well defending our own box but we have to be very careful because they have threats all over the pitch.”
However, there was no denial that the Chris Wood-inspired victory on Tyneside has given Forest a huge shot of confidence. Nuno added: “It was huge. Everything’s easier when you have a good performance like that. It was a big moment for us.
“We’re getting to know each other. It’s still early days but as training sessions and games go by we are able to know more about individual players and what they can give us.
“We’re finding the right moments, the right decisions to achieve what we want – a team that competes well in every game.”
