Ten Hag and Bruno Fernandes

Ten Hag: Bruno is getting better and better

Friday 17 March 2023 09:22

Erik ten Hag was impressed by the performance of Bruno Fernandes, and his current form in general, during Thursday’s 1-0 win over Real Betis.

United booked a spot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a 5-1 aggregate victory, and our no.8 was instrumental in both legs of the tie, scoring a header at Old Trafford and proving to be a creative spark from a variety of positions over the pitch. 

“He’s very strong; he’s very good at recovery first, so he is a really good athlete,” Ten Hag told the media in his post-match press conference. 

“He has so much energy, he can play in so many roles, for tactics [it is] brilliant for the team that he can play [these] roles.”
Watch Erik's post-match press conference Video

Watch Erik's post-match press conference

Press conference | After Real Betis v United, Erik is asked about Pellistri's performance, Rashford's form and more...

The Dutchman continued: “We can play him there [midfield] where we can benefit from him to overload areas, where he can outplay opponents, so we get in good situations and so we will create chances. 

“He is also very important in the counter-press and in the pressing; so his transition is a really fantastic skill for him.” 

The boss believes our Portuguese magnifico has been in excellent form for some time, adding: “He is an example for the team. 

“I think his performance once again [was brilliant], [as well as] in recent weeks, he’s in brilliant form. 

“It looks like he’s getting better and better from game to game.”

Despite some calls for Bruno to be rested, as it is being reported he has played more minutes than any other player in the top five leagues this term, and he would have missed the quarter-final first leg if booked at Betis, his importance to the side, and the way we play, cannot be underestimated.

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