Roberto Martinez defends ‘perfectionist’ Manchester United midfielder

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been subject to lots of criticism this season for his attitude on the pitch, but Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has come out to publicly back the talented playmaker.

Martinez, who knows Fernandes better than most critics, believes his frustrations come from a place of care.

The Portuguese midfielder was named United captain in the summer after Erik ten Hag made the decision to strip Harry Maguire of the captaincy. Since then, Fernandes has been accused of moaning on the pitch and he’s received plenty of bookings for theatrics rather than just getting on with things.

Fernandes’ antics led to him missing the trip to Anfield earlier this month. After receiving his fifth yellow card of the season, he has to sit out one game but thankfully we managed to draw away at Liverpool.

In an interview with The Times, Martinez gave some insight into Fernandes. He said: “Bruno’s a perfectionist. The emotions are always emotions for the right reasons.

“He cares about United. He cares about every aspect of trying to win a game. To be United captain now is not easy because it’s United and that demands wins and when you don’t [win] it’s difficult.

“He can cope with that with ease. He’ll just get up and try to help the others.

“You have to be accountable. That’s what you see with Bruno. He’s not someone that is going to accept defeat and hide away and let things go. He would stand up and fight.

“He’s a really intelligent player, thinking constantly of where there is space, and that’s why you see such a great combination in the international team with Bernardo Silva.”

Fernandes will be hoping to add to his tally of goals and assists when United take on Nottingham Forest this evening. Hopefully he can avoid another yellow card.

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