Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has come under fire for his unwarranted criticism of Alejandro Garnacho.
Fernandes was speaking to the media after United’s 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad yesterday. Even though the Red Devils won, it was not enough as they failed to top the group.
As a result, United will have to play a play-off in February before reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League.
The midfielder praised Garnacho, the scorer against Sociedad, but in his praise he also hinted that the Argentine had a bad initial attitude that kept him out of the flanks.
Fernandes said: “He was good, but he knows we expect a lot from him. Obviously he’s still very young, he’s doing really well.”
“At the beginning of the season, he was not at his best. On the tour he didn’t have the best attitude that he should have, and that’s why he didn’t get his chances until now”.
“He’s getting his chances because he’s training better, he has a different attitude and he deserves his chances.”
The Portuguese’s comments did not sit well with pundit Chris Sutton, who called his comments on BT Sport “totally unnecessary”.
Sutton argued that Fernandes may have gone against his manager, Erik ten Hag, by taking a jab at Garnacho.
According to Sutton, Ten Hag most likely wants the team to appear like a tight-knit, tight-knit and harmonious unit.
Fernandes’ comments go against the grain in this regard.
Sutton ended by expressing his surprise at Fernandes’ behavior, adding that he could have used different language to express his point of view.