Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City must nullify Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes on Sunday.
The Portuguese attacker is perhaps United’s biggest creative threat, with Graeme Souness claiming in January that he has the talent to play for City.
While pundits like Gary Neville expect the Sky Blues to win 3-0 on derby day, players like the 29-year-old possess the magic in their boots to help the visitors earn a result at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have to nullify Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes
Last season, the £47 million (BBC Sport) man scored twice in three meetings against Manchester City as well.
While Erik ten Hag’s side lacks too many attacking threats that could cause the hosts a real problem, it is fair to claim that their captain is one of them who could.
Initially, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was quizzed about his thoughts on Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes.
“An exceptional player. Especially the consistency to play every single game and every single competition, I admire a lot. He is a guy who when he has the ball, something is going to happen, free-kicks, in set-pieces and connections with the players up front, like [Alejandro] Garnacho, [Marcus] Rashford”, he said [via HaytersTV].
“What can I say? A really, really important player.”
Guardiola was also asked whether his side had to nullify Fernandes.
“Yeah, of course. Always, it has been like that. Always, he can create something.”
Rodri and John Stones will be key to keeping Bruno Fernandes quiet
As Manchester City prepare to face Manchester United, Pep Guardiola will perhaps be handing out specific instructions to both Rodri and John Stones about how to limit Bruno Fernandes’ influence on proceedings.
The pair are likely to start against the Red Devils, as they are partnered in midfield in possession.
But considering Manchester United’s best work going forward occurs on the break, Rodri and John Stones will likely be tasked to extinguish their counter-attacking threat and the best way of doing so would be to stop Bruno Fernandes from supplying chances.
Especially to pacey forwards like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, who would be looking to get behind Manchester City’s defence throughout the contest.
If Rodri and John Stones can tame Bruno Fernandes, the probability of a City win becomes increasingly likely.
