Former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen has named Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek as the only two players who can replace Bruno Fernandes for the Reds – but warned neither will have the same impact as the Portuguese star.
Fernandes has netted 14 goals and created eight more since arriving from Sporting CP in January, netting and setting one up in the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Saturday.
It means he has been involved in the most goals in the Premier League in 2020 and he is the first Portuguese player to reach double figures in a single season since United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Only Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi have been involved in more goal contributions in Europe’s top five leagues since February and Melensteen knows how vital the player is to the way Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side sets up.
“I think United can only have one New Year’s wish and that’s for Fernandes not to get injured or suspended,” he told Stadium Astro.
“His energy is unbelievable. Look at this goal again – it’s absolutely fantastic. The timing of the run and ball from Edinson Cavani is fantastic.
“As soon as Fernandes gets on the ball the likes of Marcus Rashford are on their way. Fernandes is just so, so important for United.
“He gives them rhythm, he’s a winner, he’s a leader, he creates assists and he scores goals.
“They have other players that can go in that position like Pogba or Donny van de Beek but they don’t have the same impact as him.
“I’m so impressed by his energy levels. He’s not afraid to work hard. He’s always trying to hurt the opposition with a pass in behind, he’s not afraid to shoot from distance.
“It’s a player that United rely on heavily. I’m sure that if he wasn’t there it would have an effect on United’s form.”
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