Manchester United have Bruno Fernandes to thank for ‘single-handedly’ turning the Red Devils into Premier League title contenders, believes Jamie Redknapp.
Since arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020, Fernandes has helped change the ‘attitude’ of his teammates and the ‘mentality’ of the club as a whole, according to Redknapp.
The midfielder’s positive impact is clearly showing, with United currently top of the Premier League after getting the better of Burnley on Tuesday night.
They overtook champions Liverpool, who they finished 22 points behind last season, and when asked about the difference between that Man United side and the team this term, Redknapp gave a ‘simple answer’.
“Bruno Fernandes,” he told Sky Sports. “I think that’s the simple answer, I won’t baffle you with science.
“I think since he’s come to the club he’s single-handedly changed the mentality of it. The goals he’s scored, the assists he’s made.
“I’ve seen an attitude shift in the players because I think he demands such high standards.
“I think when he plays well, when he scores United play well. It’s as simple as that. He’s changed players around him.
“Before he came you feared for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. I mean you feared for him earlier on in the season when he lost 1-0 at Arsenal. I did the game and I thought he’s running out of time here but he’s turned it around.
“He’s had some bad results in the [Carabao] Cup but their league form has been tremendous. So you have to credit him for that, but one man has changed that.
“When you talk about the 22 points, that’s been Bruno Fernandes.”
United, who are unbeaten in their last eleven Premier League matches, winning nine, can consolidate their place at the top when they take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.