Paul Scholes slams Bruno Fernandes for being ‘too soft’ during Manchester United win over Leeds

The Red Devils legend thinks Fernandes should be stronger when on the ball - here’s what he said.
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Paul Scholes has criticised Bruno Fernandes for being ‘too soft’ on the ball during Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Leeds United on Sunday.

The Portuguese playmaker lost control of the ball while being closed down by Adam Forshaw, falling to the floor and was seen sprawling around.

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Leeds went on to score an equaliser through Raphina in the aftermath of the situation, with VAR then checking to see if Fernandes was fouled.

Bruno Fernandes protests Adam Forshaw's challenge. Pic: Laurence Griffiths.Bruno Fernandes protests Adam Forshaw's challenge. Pic: Laurence Griffiths.
Bruno Fernandes protests Adam Forshaw's challenge. Pic: Laurence Griffiths.

It was deemed that Forshaw had cleanly won the ball from Fernandes, thus leading to Scholes’ comments.

The latter slammed Fernandes for ‘looking for a foul’ and thinks the United No.18 needs to be ‘stronger’ in predicaments such as this.

Speaking on Premier League Productions after the game, Scholes said:  "I think Fernandes has to be stronger.

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"He’s almost looking for a foul before anything happens and I don’t think it is a foul.

"Fernandes has got to be stronger there, that’s a little bit too soft. His head is up in the air looking for a foul before he comes in."

Luckily for Fernandes, the Red Devils went on to win the game 4-2 with goals from Fred and Anthony Elanga sealing the three points for Ralf Rangnick’s side.

United won the game 4-2 thanks to goals from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Anthony Elanga. Credit: Getty.United won the game 4-2 thanks to goals from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Anthony Elanga. Credit: Getty.
United won the game 4-2 thanks to goals from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Anthony Elanga. Credit: Getty.

The victory sees United secure a league double over Leeds and extend their unbeaten run in England’s top-flight to seven matches, as well as remain fourth in the table, four points ahead of West Ham United in fifth.

Rangnick’s team travel to Atletico Madrid in their Round of 16 Champions League first leg on Wednesday.

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