‘Everyone thinks I have to score in every game’ – Bruno claims early Man Utd form set bar too high

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 4 min read

Bruno Fernandes says that his red-hot start to life at Manchester United has set supporters unrealistic expectations of what he is capable of.

Fernandes arrived little over a year ago from Sporting CP and quickly established himself as a key player for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

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He has, however, been criticised for his failure to perform against the ‘Big 6’ clubs in the Premier League. Indeed, Man Utd have been insipid against the leading sides in the league this season, drawing five games and losing the other two.

Ahead of a clash against leaders Manchester City on Sunday, Fernandes has underlined his determination to end that perception of him.

“I know people expect Bruno to score or assist in every game because when I arrived, I was playing really well. If you see my stats, everyone is thinking that Bruno has to score in every game, Bruno has to assist in every game,” the Man Utd star told Sky Sports.

“And I want to do that – it’s the most important thing. But as a player, I don’t look for the big six or the rest of the league. I look for every game in the same way. And I think the league is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. So you don’t have to score or win against the big six – you have to score and win against everyone.

“I see people talking about Bruno not doing so well against the ‘big six’. People have said Bruno gives the ball away too many times when we lose a game.

“I see people talking about Bruno not doing so well against the ‘big six’. People have said Bruno gives the ball away too many times when we lose a game.

“Also, in the game against Basaksehir, I scored two goals and I lost more balls than their team, but people said I was the best player in the game. So, what is the point?”

What is Bruno Fernandes’ record against Top 6 clubs?