Manchester United has been known as one of the most successful football clubs in the world, but it seems that they’re currently struggling to reach their full potential under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s leadership. The 2020-2021 season started with a lot of hype and expectations from the Red Devils, but they have failed to live up to those expectations.
One of the major factors of this season’s failure is the inconsistency of the team’s star player, Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder was all the rage last season, and it was his arrival at the club in the January transfer window that was one of the catalysts for the upturn in form. However, his performances in recent weeks have left a lot to be desired, resulting in criticism from club legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville.
Fernandes, who was brought in as a creative midfielder and an attacking threat, started his Manchester United career with a bang. He scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in his first 22 appearances for the club, making him a fan-favorite and a vital player for the team. But, this season has been a different story.
It’s no secret that United is a club that demands success, and their star player has failed to deliver. Fernandes’ performances have been marked by inconsistency and frustration in the current campaign, and it’s seemed as if the Portuguese midfielder has lost his touch. This has led to some criticism, with former players Keane and Neville being particularly vocal.
Keane, who is known for his blunt and honest opinions, called Fernandes a ‘disgrace’ after the team’s dismal display in their 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final. He claimed that Fernandes is the biggest problem in the team and that he needs to improve his performances if the team wants to win titles. As expected, Keane’s comments caused a stir among the fanbase and the media, with everyone weighing in on the debate.
Neville, too, has been critical of Fernandes and the whole United team. He believes that the club is heading in the wrong direction and that something needs to change. In his opinion, the players are not giving their best, and there’s a lack of leadership within the squad.
The former England international criticized Solskjaer for not setting up his team correctly and being outcoached by opposition managers. Neville also called for the team to start playing as a cohesive unit, with each player playing their role and supporting each other on the pitch.
Both Keane and Neville believe that Manchester United needs to improve their performances if they want to start winning again. As former players who have experienced success with the club, their opinions hold a lot of weight, and it’s not surprising that they’re using their platforms to voice their concerns.
Some people might argue that the criticism is unjustified, but it’s hard to argue that Fernandes has been at his best this season. His performances have been patchy, and he doesn’t seem to be making the same impact that he did in the previous campaign. If Manchester United are to succeed, they need their star player to be at his best, and it’s clear that he’s not.
It’s important to understand that the current situation is not entirely Fernandes’ fault, and it would be unfair to put all the blame on him. Manchester United is a team sport, and it’s the collective efforts that matter the most. However, the players’ individual performances make a difference, and as the star player, Fernandes is expected to perform to his full potential.
To sum it up, it’s clear that Manchester United is going through a rough patch, and there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed. The inconsistency of Fernandes and the whole team is one of many problems that need to be fixed.
It’s not unusual for former players to criticise their old club, and it’s a sign that they care about the team’s success. Keane and Neville have highlighted the issues that need to be addressed, and it’s up to the current crop of players to take note and start performing to their full potential.
The criticism may be harsh, but it’s necessary if the team wants to get back to winning ways. The fans, the club, and the players deserve better, and it’s time for everyone to step up and start performing.