Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has launched a staggering defence for one ‘frustrated’ Manchester United star after the 2-2 Premier League draw against Bournemouth.
Manchester United travelled to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday for their Premier League clash, with the Red Devils failing to impress in their latest performance.
Dominic Solanke opened the scoring for Bournemouth in the first half, with United defender Willy Kambwala slipping up during the build-up to the opener.
Bruno Fernandes pulled United level 15 minutes after the opener, but Bournemouth restored their advantage in the first half and took a 2-1 lead into half-time.
Justin Kluivert was not picked up by the United defence and the Bournemouth winger effortlessly put himself in position to fire a superb strike past Andre Onana.
Bruno Fernandes once again stepped up for United and the Red Devils captain scored the all-important equaliser in the second half from the spot-kick.
The United captain’s brace ensured that Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag walked away with at least one Premier League point from the Vitality Stadium.
The Red Devils’ top-four ambitions are all but over, with seventh-place United 13 points adrift from fourth-place Aston Villa in the Premier League table.
Aston Villa, who have played one match more than United, defeated Premier League title challengers Arsenal in an emphatic 2-0 win at the Emirates on Sunday.
Redknapp’s defence of Man Utd star
Speaking after the Bournemouth match, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp spotlighted Bruno Fernandes’ important role for Manchester United.
Fernandes, who received the captain’s armband under Erik ten Hag, has faced criticism this season over his leadership skills and antics on the pitch.
Despite question marks over his consistency at times, the 29-year-old Portugal midfielder has remained a largely influential figure in the United first team.
Redknapp insisted that Fernandes is the type of player that Ten Hag should be building his team around if the Dutchman is still at Old Trafford next season.
“He gets a lot of stick Bruno, a lot of stick. Some of it I get. I also think it is unfair,” he said.
“When I watch him play, I see a player that genuinely cares. There’s a frustration, and yes sometimes there is pettiness sometimes he’s calling out his players, but if I was coming into the club or if it’s the manager Erik ten Hag if he keeps his job, he’s the sort of player you’re looking build the team around.”
Redknapp on what Fernandes brings to Man Utd
Redknapp admitted that Fernandes has proven he is one of the few players who ‘really cares’ about United due to his commitment on the pitch.
The 50-year-old former Liverpool and England midfielder insisted that he does not “see many other players” at United who share the “same appetite” as Fernandes.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp continued: “He’s the player. He makes things happen.
“But what the frustration comes from is that I don’t think people care as much as he does.
“I see that as an epidemic at the club where people don’t really do enough – do they really care? Do they go flying into tackles? He, on the other hand, does, and I think he sometimes gets himself into situations that he probably shouldn’t.
“But I tell you what he cares about: his club, his team, he’s pulled his team back into that game today – I know it’s a penalty the second goal – but I just see a player that you could build the team around and I don’t see many other players that shares the same appetite that he does.”