Patrice Evra believes Bruno Fernandes must elevate his influence on Manchester United’s performance. Following the Portuguese’s recognition as the PFA Players' Player of the Year, the former United stalwart has urged the captain to become the team’s true conductor.
Fernandes edged out David Raya, Declan Rice, Erling Haaland, Gabriel, and Ryan Cherki in the voting. Last season, the United captain made a record 21 assists, surpassing Thierry Henry's tally from the 2002/03 season.
Evra stated:
“For the last three years, Fernandes has been the best player at Manchester United, and he’s our best midfielder. But let me explain why he’s been criticised. I’m concerned that Bruno doesn’t control the game. I played alongside players like Paul Scholes. Sir Alex Ferguson would say, ‘Give the ball to Paul Scholes,’ because he knew when to manage the tempo, push forward, or keep possession.”
“Bruno can keep winning individual awards, but I want him to make his teammates play better. Yes, he’ll keep getting assists and scoring, but let’s not kid ourselves. I want to ask everyone at Manchester United: Does Bruno make the team better? Does he control the game?”
Evra himself provided the answer:
“No. But does he win you games? Yes. And that’s what matters. However, now that he’s received the Player of the Year award, I don’t want him to win it again. I want Bruno to be part of the team mechanism, to be the conductor, to control the game and dictate its flow. I know what I’m talking about.”
Fernandes has also been recognised as Manchester United’s Player of the Year by his teammates for each of the past two seasons.
