Former Sporting boss Carlos Carvalhal: “Bruno Fernandes is not a number 10. He is a midfielder but he has developed the ability to break the line of the defence to score goals.
Bruno Fernandes – “Box-to-box player”
According to former boss Sporting C.P. Carlos Carvalhal, who warned Manchester United against playing at No.10 position. Bruno Fernandes – “box-to-box player” with “the ability to break through the defence line.” Big things are expected from the Portuguese midfielder following his transfer to Old Trafford for € 55 million (£56m/$60m). During the January transfer window, while the encouraging debut against the “Wolves” at Old Trafford gives supporters an insight into the unique playmaker talents. The 25-year-old striker started the match in the upper half of the field. But in the second half, he went deeper to dictate the pace of the game, which ultimately ended 0-0.
Carlos, who managed Sporting in 2009–10, believes his compatriot is most effective when sitting as a traditional No.8. Due to his range and ability to “organize in the last part of the pitch.”Fernandes is not number 10, Carvalhal told reporters. – He is a midfielder, but he developed this ability to break the line of defense to score goals. But he is not 10, and he is 8. He is a “box-to-box player” who understands the game very well. He is not just playing. He understands everything that happens around him.
Bruno has all the attributes to adjust to the requirements
“He can organize a team, and he can talk, he can give feedback… He’s kind of like a manager on the field. He can organize everything in the last part of the field. He is an exciting player.” Carvalhal currently stands for an example of the Rio Ave League example. Still, he also enjoyed coaching experience in the Premier League. With Swansea and feels that Bruno has all the attributes to adjust to the wants of English football quickly. The 54-year-old manager already considers Bruno among the best players in the world and believes that he can add a new dimension to the starting XI Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Best player in the Portuguese League
“He was the best player in the Portuguese League for at least two years,” Carvalhal added. “He’s in that group of players who are some of the best in the world.” Sometimes these technical players, namely their quality in the defensive transition is a problem in the PL. When they lose the ball, they don’t react fast enough to win it back, but it has evolved a lot in the last two seasons. This is important in England. He is not lazy, and he is the other way around. He has everything to be a key player.“Bruno will again be in dispute over a United position when they head to Stamford Bridge to host Chelsea next Monday.