Former Barcelona forward and football pundit Gary Lineker has hailed Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as his player of the season so far. This commendation came after Fernandes put in a stellar performance during Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over 10-man Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, March 1.
The match saw Michael Carrick’s side fall behind early on when Maxence Lacroix opened the scoring in the fourth minute. However, the tables turned as Lacroix was shown a red card for a foul on Matheus Cunha inside the box, resulting in a penalty for Manchester United. Fernandes coolly converted the spot-kick in the 57th minute to level the scores before turning provider for Benjamin Sesko’s headed goal eight minutes later, securing all three points for the Red Devils.
In addition to his goal and assist, Fernandes was a standout performer throughout the game. He created six chances, landed three shots on target out of four attempts, and won four duels. Lineker, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, expressed his admiration for the Portuguese midfielder, stating, “You see him on the left wing, you see him on the right wing… what a brain! I think he’s the player of the season for me.”
The former England international went on to mention other contenders for the accolade but emphasized Fernandes’ consistency and impact on Manchester United’s performances. With seven goals and 14 assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this season, Fernandes has been instrumental in the Red Devils’ campaign.
Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Gary Neville has predicted a third-place finish for his former club in the Premier League. Neville highlighted the team’s recent form and momentum, backing them to secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season. He also forecasted Liverpool to finish fourth and Chelsea to come in fifth, showing optimism for Aston Villa’s chances of breaking into the top five.
Manchester United currently sit third in the league standings with 51 points from 28 games, level on points with fourth-placed Aston Villa. Their next challenge will be against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on March 4, as they aim to continue their push for a top-four finish.
In conclusion, both Lineker and Neville have recognized Manchester United’s resurgence and the impact of key players like Bruno Fernandes on the team’s fortunes. As the season progresses, the Red Devils will look to maintain their form and secure a coveted spot in the Champions League, fulfilling the expectations set by their former stars.
