Barcelona manager Xavi has been slammed by fans for calling Bruno Fernandes ‘the Portuguese guy’ ahead of Thursday’s clash – as they urged the Man United star to score a ‘late, controversial winner’.
The former European champions drew 2-2 in Barcelona last week in the first leg of the knockout playoffs in a thrilling back-and-forth second half at Camp Nou.
Barça and the Red Devils meet again for a palpable return leg on Thursday night at Old Trafford.
Ahead of the clash, the 43-year-old was asked about the Dutch coach, 53, turning United’s fortunes around.
‘He is very good, I like him a lot,’ Xavi told The Times. ‘He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players.’
Barcelona manager Xavi has been slammed by fans for calling Bruno Fernandes ‘the Portuguese guy’ ahead of Thursday’s clash
The attacking midfielder, 28, joined United in January 2020 for £67.7million
He continued: ‘That speaks well of him. Tactically he is very good and he handles the dressing room very well.
‘He is getting all the talent out of his players. You see [Jadon] Sancho, [Marcus] Rashford, the Portuguese guy [Bruno Fernandes]. And look how Fred is playing.’
And users on Twitter were quick to react with one saying: ‘Bruno Fernandes got to score a late controversial winner so he will never forget his name.’
Another responded: ‘Bruno penalty winner tomorrow in 89th minute will send me to the moon tomorrow.’
A third tweeted: ‘THE PORTUGUESE GUY?!? The “Portuguese Guy” has a name, and his name is Bruno Fernandes…’
A forth said: ‘Time to teach “The Spanish guy” a lesson tomorrow night.’
The attacking midfielder, 28, joined United in January 2020 for £67.7million.
Bruno has been the stand-out signing of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era and is rarely rested, starting all but three games this season across all competitions.
And users on Twitter were quick to react with one saying: ‘Bruno Fernandes got to score a late controversial winner so he will never forget his name’
After that epic at the Nou Camp, it was back to the league for United with a 3-0 win over Leicester City.
As unlikely as a title bid looked at the start of the season, there is growing belief that United can force its way into serious contention as the leading two falter.
City’s surprise 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday meant third-place United was able to cut the gap to Pep Guardiola’s team to three points.
And while Arsenal came from behind to beat Aston Villa 4-2 and move back to the top of the table, it was the Londoners’ first win in five games.
source: dailymail.co.uk
