Micah Richards feels Bruno Fernandes takes more responsibility in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence

Manchester United recently were held by Aston Villa in the Premier League. The Red Devils were not at their best without talisman Cristiano Ronaldo but their Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes had a great game.

After the game, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards pointed out how Fernandes took extra responsibility for himself in his compatriot’s absence. Richards could not help but heap praise on the Manchester United midfielder. He said, “It was the Bruno Fernandes of last season. He really was back to somewhere near his best.”

The former England international also highlighted how Bruno Fernandes controlled the game for the Red Devils. The Portugal international scored a brace but his goals were cancelled by goals from Jacob Ramsay and Philippe Coutinho.

“He just dictated the game. He gets a bit lucky with the first goal but if you don’t shoot you don’t score. I just liked the way he dictated the game. He ticked things over and was always looking forward and organizing the team.

“With all the talk of Cristiano Ronaldo, I really think Fernandes stepped up today and was the main man for Manchester United,” Richards added.

Richards did not go in a debate hailing Bruno as the better player than Ronald at present. But he certainly heaped praise on the midfielder’s skills to lead a team. He points out how Bruno Fernandes is more than good enough for Manchester United.

“I think it’s hard to say that but I think he takes more responsibility when Ronaldo’s not there, I think that’s the difference.

“That’s what we want to see. He is a quality player. You look at his goal returns and people are saying he’s not good enough for this United team, he’s more than good enough,” Richards concluded.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his compatriot Bruno Fernandes have been the top two goalscorers for United this season. Ronaldo has scored 8 goals in 16 appearances whereas Bruno has fired in seven goals in 19 Premier League matches.

Some people have been very critical of the impact that Ronaldo and Bruno bring to this team, the duo remains the most contributing players in attack for the Red Devils. They have truly been the game-changers for United this season.