FAST AND FERIOUS
Ole: Bruno’s a leader we can learn from. He’s quick to take responsibility for big penalties... and for rollicking his team!
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is happy for Bruno Fernandes to be Manchester United’s fearsome Mr Angry.
Fernandes, 26, has had an explosive impact since arriving at Old Trafford in a £47million deal from Sporting Lisbon in January.
As well as scoring 21 goals and providing 13 assists in his first 35 games for the club, the Portuguese midfielder has also shown a willingness to tear into any team-mate who has allowed their standards to slip.
Solskjaer believes Fernandes is leading by both example and by strong encouragement – and has called on more United players to follow his lead.
Solskjaer said: “Bruno is not just giving out rollickings, he’s also instructing players.
“We can all learn from his mentality and mindset – that winning mentality.
“If it’s 2-0 he wants 3-0, if it’s 4-0 he wants 5-0. He always wants the team to improve.
“In the heat of the moment, people are also allowed to air their frustration and be angry for a second or two. If it lingers on that’s a different scenario. I want players to take responsibility and put other players into their places when it’s necessary.
“But they’re out there fighting for one cause – and that’s for the team to win.
“The players have reacted really well to Bruno but once in a while you just have to take a rollicking when you deserve one.”
Solskjaer himself played in United teams packed with leaders. Players like Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney have worn the captain’s armband at Old Trafford during the Premier League era.
But there have also been seasoned characters like Gary Pallister, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand in the dressing room.
Ferdinand has claimed that Solskjaer’s side lacks natural leaders. Harry y
Maguire has been put in as skipper, but Fernandes has not been slow in demonstrating his own desire to lead the way.
Solskjaer said: “Bruno has come in and said, ‘I’m not afraid of anything here’. That’s how you should be.
“You shouldn’t be afraid of anything on a football pitch. You should feel free and step up and be confident.
“We all need to stand up and improve – especially in difficult times – and Bruno has done that.
“He has stepped up and taken penalties – like at Brighton in the 98th minute or at Leicester last season to qualify for the Champions League. Those are the pressure moments he likes. That is the sign of a Manchester United player – a player who will step up when it might go wrong.”
United will be looking for their third successive Premier League win when they travel to Southampton today.
And Solskjaer is quick to hail the contribution of Maguire, who has put a troubled few months behind him.
United’s skipper was found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and bribery, after being arrested on holiday on the Greek island of Syros in August.
And the £80million defender was then sent off playing for England against Denmark in the Nations League. But Maguire’s return to form has been a big factor in United’s improvement. Solskjaer said: “Harry’s a leader and he’s never been afraid of fronting the team or standing up there when things have gone against him.
“He came back off that international break and started off with that goal at Newcastle – he’s probably never looked back and he’s getting better and better.”