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Bruno Fernandes is ‘frustrated’ at Manchester United because he is a ‘next level’ to all the players around him, talkSPORT has been told.
Fernandes has arguably been United’s best player this season with 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
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Fernandes failed to make an impact as United battled another scoreless stalemate at Palace
Against the so-called “big six” this season, he has managed only one goal in seven games.
Invariably, when Fernandes isn’t playing well, Man United isn’t playing well.
In their 0-0 draw with Chelsea this weekend, he lost possession 20 times, was dribbled four times and only created one chance.
The Portugal international also failed to inspire the Red Devils to a win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
And former Premier League striker Ashton has explained why the Portuguese playmaker has made a frustrated number on the pitch in recent weeks.
He told talkSPORT: “I think his body language was really interesting last month, I feel like I really noticed it.
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Fernandes doesn’t have the same joy against ‘Big Six’ clubs he gets in most matches
“When there is a pass he has played is not controlled properly or a pass is not given to him in the correct area. Or even a pass given to a teammate on an attack that isn’t good enough, he turns away in disgust and throws his arms in the air.
“He’s frustrated with the players around him. Personally I think it’s because he’s on a different level than the other players, maybe Rashford isn’t included.
“I would say he’s on another level for the players and they’re not there with him.
“If you’re a Chelsea, Liverpool or Man City you are targeting Fernandes. You make sure you cut the chains on him, you get closer to him because you know that if you get close to him you pretty much nullify Manchester United.
“Rashford isn’t the same if Bruno Fernandes doesn’t get the ball as much. Bruno Fernandes was the one who spotted Rashford’s races early on and slid it down the sides of the full-backs.
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Fernandes has scored 22 goals in all competitions for United this season
“He needs better players around him to thrive in big games.
“If you put Kevin De Bruyne on this team, he wouldn’t be the same. If you’re targeting Kevin De Bruyne with Man City, Gundogan is free. If you target him, Mahrez is free.
“There is so much talent in and around their top players at City. It’s not like that at United.
“You can’t tell me that Fred, McTominay, Greenwood, Martial, they’re not at the same level as the City players in and around De Bruyne that Fernandes got at Manchester United.
“That’s the difference. In big matches against the elite, if the players around you are not level and the teams can target you as a player, then it is very difficult to be dominant.
