Nani, a former Manchester United player, has backed captain Bruno Fernandes, claiming that his Red Devils colleagues are not matching his level of work at the club.
Nani stressed that his compatriot works hard, gives his best, and contributes to Manchester United.
Man United’s current slump continued on Wednesday evening, as they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle, 3-0, at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Fernandes has come under fire for his performance in Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend, with club great Roy Keane stating that the Portugal midfielder should be stripped of the leadership.
Nani, who made 230 appearances for Manchester United during his time there, has now defended Fernandes.
“When we used to play at Manchester [United], one of the things that defined the club was that you could be losing 3-0 with 15 minutes, 10 minutes left in a game, and that is when you saw what mental strength means,” Nani told 1 PARA 1.
“Now, when you watch Manchester play, you see a lot of talent, maybe more talent than in our time in terms of technique, and they are all technically gifted.
“But when you watch the game, there’s no spirit of sacrifice, no fighting spirit… a real player, a star, at Manchester, has to unlock the game – if they don’t, it won’t work.
“Manchester already has great players. We have Bruno Fernandes. If Bruno Fernandes wasn’t playing well, I’d criticise him too, but for example, the sacrifice and effort he puts into the game, he does it.
“We see it. He works hard, gives his all, and contributes. It is just that many others don’t keep up with it.”
