Former Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson has leapt to the defence of Bruno Fernandes, insisting the midfielder is unfairly criticised and would be just as effective as Kevin De Bruyne had he joined Manchester City instead of the Red Devils. Atkinson also backed Fernandes’ tendency to call out team-mates, given the level he expects from them at Old Trafford.

Fernandes' attitude defended by AtkinsonSays he would be KDB-esque at Man CityTold he is right to be angry at team-matesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Atkinson has spoken out in support of Manchester United captain Fernandes amid ongoing criticism of the midfielder’s temperament and defensive work. The ex-United boss believes Fernandes’ role is to create, not tackle, and pointed out how effective he’d be in a better team. He also defended the Portuguese star’s frustrations with underperforming team-mates.

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Speaking to , Atkinson said: "I love Bruno Fernandes. He’s some player. People don’t half moan about him, say he doesn’t tackle and that. But he’s not there to tackle. And I tell you what, if he’d been in that [Manchester] City side, he’d have been as effective as [Kevin] De Bruyne. Yeah, people say he moans at his teammates. But I don’t blame him – some of those he has to play with."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Portugal international has played 290 games with Manchester United since his move to Old Trafford in the winter of 2020. So far, Fernandes has scored 98 goals and grabbed 86 assists in the Red Devils' shirt. In the Premier League, the 30-year-old has the fifth-most direct goal contributions since his 2020 move to England.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDES?

The Portugal international had been linked with a potential departure from the underperforming United side. However, Fernandes is not headed anywhere this summer as he looks to lead the Red Devils back onto the right path.