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Manchester United continued their current streak of wretched displays with an undeserved 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
The majority of the team struggled as the Cherries had 20 shots to the Red Devils’ eight.
One player who did stand up to be counted was United captain Bruno Fernandes.
The 29 year old has been criticised this season for his displays and some have even questioned his credentials to be captain of the club.
However, a brace, which would have been a spectacular hat-trick if not for the Bournemouth crossbar, saved United from a 13th Premier League defeat of the season.
The double were his 11th and 12th strikes of the season, to go alongside his nine assists.
As a result of his fine display, the midfielder was given a spot in the BBC team of the week.
Former United player, Garth Crooks, explained his choice of United’s number eight by claiming, “whatever you may think of Bruno Fernandes, he does give his heart and soul whenever he plays for Manchester United. Bournemouth should and would have wrapped this game up but for the never-say-die attitude of Fernandes”.
Crooks then made the somewhat controversial claim that Fernandes’ teammate, Marcus Rashford, would be the best in the world if he could match the Portuguese’s attitude.
“Marcus Rashford would be the best player in the world if he had his captain’s appetite and attitude towards the game. I have been one of Rashford’s biggest fans over the years but he should be doing for United what Kylian Mbappe is doing for PSG right now, but somehow he seems to have lost the heart for the battle”.
“Sure, he does his bit, but he’s far more talented than his recent performances suggest and seems to have lost his way. I’m amazed Fernandes or Casemiro haven’t been able to fire him up or inspire him. That said, if you need motivating whenever you put on the red shirt of Manchester United then something has gone terribly wrong”.
It is a bold claim to suggest that this version of Rashford could be the best player in the world, but the point still stands that many fans feel that the player’s major problems are mental and attitude, not talent.
It stands to reason when you consider the outstanding form he was in last season when he plundered 30 goals in all competitions.
However, sadly, it looks like that United fans may never see that version of the academy product again. They can though take heart in the fact their talismanic captain still gives everything for the cause.
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