Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Bruno Fernandes, confirming Manchester United fans’ fears

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer candidly discusses Bruno Fernandes’ playing time, admitting he has been overly dependent on the Manchester United playmaker throughout the 2020/21 season.

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Fernandes: Manchester United are ready to win titles

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he “overrated” Bruno Fernandes last season – and the Manchester United boss has vowed he will not make the same mistake again.

Fernandez, 26, played the most matches for any Red Devils player in the 2021/22 season, making 51 appearances and coming off the bench seven times.

The Portuguese playmaker was United’s top scorer (28) and first assistant (18), with Solskjaer reluctant to leave him out of the squad despite the pleas of the fans.

But the Norwegian is confident he will not need to rely too heavily on Fernandes next season due to his attacking options being reinforced over the summer.

Solskjaer admits he was ‘too much’ to play Fernandes last season (

picture:

Work photos via Reuters)

Solskjaer welcomed striker Anthony Martial from injury and striker No. 10 Jesse Lingard from an eye-catching short-term loan to West Ham, while winger Jadon Sancho arrived from Borussia Dortmund for £73m.

“Bruno last year…I may have exaggerated it, but that was because he was so important to us,” Solskjaer told ESPN about Fernandes’ workload.

“Adding those additional players – Jesse back, Jadon back, Anthony back in fitness – gives us a lot to work with.”

Everything Bruno Fernandes said about six of his Man United teammates before the new season expresses his feelings for Diogo Dalot with his Milan transfer request.

Solskjaer may also turn to Donny van de Beek for his creative minutes, as the Dutchman has impressed his teammates with his work in the gym while on vacation and in pre-season.

“He (Van de Beek) has put in some muscle, yeah,” Solskjaer added. “He had the last season to get to know English football, and he made good use of the summer.

“You never know how players from outside are [are going to] Come on – some players need a year.”

Solskjaer also sent a fiery message to his team, as he made clear his intention to compete for the English Premier League title next season.

And the Red Devils finished runners-up to Manchester City last season and reached the European League final, where they lost to Villarreal on penalties.

“If you don’t enjoy being a Manchester United player, you can play somewhere in the middle of the table,” Solskjaer said.

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He added, “We went from third to second [in the Premier League] And with points a lot closer, we went from semi-final three to final and one-kick away from winning, so it’s about taking the next step now. This is the challenge.”

Veteran striker Edinson Cavani was also praised by the United manager for setting an example for his younger teammates.

Turning his attention to the 34-year-old striker, Solskjaer said: “Bringing him on was very important and he showed the way to many.”

Man United’s decision to Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho after Bruno Fernandes expressed concern that signing Raphael Varane is a top priority for Manchester United fans.

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