Stones fears Bruno threat
BLUES defender John Stones has warned Manchester United they’ve done their homework on Bruno Fernandes – to make sure he’s not a derby hero.
Midfielder Fernandes has made an instant impact for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since his £47million arrival from Sporting Lisbon in January.
And he earned a point for United at Everton a week ago with his third goal in successive games.
Manchester City and England star Stones, 25, (above) admits he’s a big danger. “That is why clubs are making such signings in mid-season,” he said.
“I have not watched too much of him personally, but I know he is a threat and we will do our homework over the next few days.”
City have done that recently, winning four of the last five derbies at Old Trafford. Stones claims it’s an occasion guaranteed to bring the the best out of the champions.
“You have got to play with no fear,” he said. “Obviously, you still get nerves from such an occasion – if players say you don’t then I think they are lying – but it is a game we know we can win, and that is not being arrogant.
“It is about having a positive mindset, believing in each other and the process. It is a derby game that’s always feisty and brings the best out of you.
“The way we go about it is knowing our qualities and game plan. We stick to that and are confident in what we do – a standard that has stood us in good stead for years now.”
Although the Premier League title is gone,
Stones says City will aim for the strongest finish possible, with second place and the Champions League in their sights.
He said: “We wanted to win the Champions
League and the Premier League. Maybe the league has gone now but we play on and fight to the end. We are always striving to better ourselves, so there is still a lot to play for.
“We have got through some tough games and difficult occasions. We just want to keep that momentum going.”
Stones, who has played in just 12 of City’s 27 league games this season, added: “I will try to get as many games in as I can, do well for the team and take it from there.”