We’ll put stop to Bruno says swot Stones

JOHN STONES has warned Manchester United they’ve done their homework on Bruno Fernandes – to make sure he’s not a derby hero.

Portugal midfielder Fernandes (below) has made an instant impact for United since his £47million January signing.

He earned a point for them at Everton a week ago with his third goal in successive games and has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men a new threat from midfield.

And Manchester City and England defender Stones, 25, admits he’s a big danger in today’s derby.

“That is why clubs are making such signings in mid-season,” said Stones.

“Sometimes, maybe it is just to bring something new or to bring back a spark to the side.

“I know he is another threat for us and we’ve done our homework on him.”

City have won four of the last five Old Trafford derbies and as Pep Guardiola’s stars head into enemy territory, Stones claims it’s an occasion guaranteed to bring the best out of the Blues.

“You have got to play with no fear,” said the defender. “Obviously, you still get nerves from such an occasion – if players say they don’t get nerves 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. It is a derby and that always brings the best out of you.”

Despite a long injury absence for Aymeric Laporte, Stones (above) has played in just 12 of City’s 27 league games this season with Guardiola seemingly reluctant to put his faith in him.

He has been in the spotlight for making big mistakes – the most recent in the Carabao Cup Final win over Aston Villa – but he is desperate for more game time ahead of Euro 2020 with England.

“I enjoyed getting a run-out again against Villa and Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup,” said Stones. “I will just try to get as many games in as I can, do well for the team and take it from there.”