Pranav Nair
Frank Leboeuf left frustrated by Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes
Speaking on ESPN FC, former French international Frank Leboeuf has revealed that he was left frustrated by Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes at Gdansk.
The Portuguese sensation, the captain on the night endured a difficult night against Villarreal in the Europa League final. Unai Emery’s men successfully stopped him and limited his influence to token moments.
Fernandes lasted the entirety of the game and also scored from the spot in the penalty shootout. For a player who has carried us through some tough moments, it was an underwhelming end to the season.
Leboeuf was not just frustrated by Fernandes’ performance on the pitch but also his antics on it. In fact, he was angry at the 26-year-old’s constant complaining and playing the victim of referee Clement Turpin.
“He annoyed me.”
To be fair the United ace did try to take advantage of situations and gain the referee’s favour. For a player of his calibre, one would expect more than just histrionics in the club’s biggest game of the season.
“At certain points he was always complaining to the referees like he did today, always trying to find injustice and trying to be the sheriff on the field.”
Leboeuf also poured cold water on Fernandes being termed a big player. For all of his goals and assists, he often goes absent in big games and disappears when needed.
“An excellent player but not there when you really need him in big games. Today was a big game and we hardly saw him.”
It is difficult to argue with the Frenchman’s comments on Fernandes. As much as it makes for uncomfortable viewing, it is a fact that he failed to turn up against Villarreal.
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Fernandes ended the season as our top goalscorer and assist getter. Donning the captain’s armband, one would have expected him to take the game against Villarreal by the scruff of the neck.
While top players can have off days, Fernandes appears to be having more of them exactly when we need him to step up. The goals and assists will mean nothing if he cannot get us over the line.
