Former Manchester United star, Nani has defended captain Bruno Fernandes and claims his Red Devils teammates are not matching his effort levels at the club.
Nani insisted that his fellow country man works hard, gives his all and contributes for Man United.
Man United’s current slump continued on Wednesday evening as they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup after losing 3-0 to Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Fernandes, meanwhile, faced criticism for his display in Man United’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend, with the club’s legend Roy Keane claiming that the Portugal midfielder should be stripped of the captaincy.
However, Nani, who made 230 appearances for Man United during his time at Old Trafford, 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.”