Fernandes warned key Man Utd trait could cause Rashford conflict

Bruno Fernandes Manchester United TEAMtalk

Jamie Redknapp has suggested that Bruno Fernandes may “frustrate” Manchester United teammates like Marcus Rashford with his ambitious shooting – but insists it is “worth it”.

Fernandes has made a brilliant first impression in his first half-a-year at United. The attacking midfielder already has three Premier League goals from just six games.

After months of speculation, United had to wait a long time to finally get their man. But the wait has proved worthwhile so far – and Redknapp says Fernandes’ forward-thinking approach reminds him of a Premier League legend in Frank Lampard.

“My advice to any young, aspiring midfielders out there would be to study Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail.

“Look at how he strikes the ball when shooting from distance. Look at how he creates such a dip and swerve that it makes his shots more difficult to stop.

“It is not conventional, and it is not a fluke. It is done by design in order to bamboozle the goalkeeper.

“The instant Fernandes gets the ball, he does not delay and he does not look sideways, either. He instead looks at how he can create an immediate goalscoring opportunity or, even better, shoot himself.

“Frank Lampard was the same, and that is largely why the now Chelsea manager holds the record as the top-scoring midfielder in Premier League history.

“It comes with a lot of practice and repetition on the training pitch. Half a yard, shoot. Half a yard, shoot. Half a yard, shoot.”

Fernandes “could be accused of greediness”

Fernandes’ desire to shoot from distance was seen once again when United returned to action on Friday night. Against Tottenham, he had five shots, three of which were on target – including the penalty he scored.

And while Fernandes has the same number of assists for United as goals so far, Redknapp has hinted that his shooting habits may annoy those around him.

“It might frustrate your forwards on game day. Maybe there will be times when Marcus Rashford says he was in a better position and should have been played in. Maybe Fernandes will be accused of greediness on the odd occasion.

“But it will be worth it for his goal return. In 2018-19, Fernandes’ last full season for Sporting Lisbon, he got 32 goals and 18 assists in 53 games. That is what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants from him now.

“United want those numbers, and they want to see a fruitful partnership form with Paul Pogba.”