Man United have more identity under Rangnick – Fernandes

 

Bruno Fernandes has said Manchester United have “more identity” under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

Fernandes stated this while as they prepare for their first Champions League knockout tie in three years against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Rangnick was appointed to see the English giants through to the end of the campaign after former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked as manager in November.

The 27-year-old Portugal international pointed to Sunday’s 4-2 win at bitter rivals Leeds as proof that reports of dressing room unrest under Rangnick were misplaced.

“I saw the goal of H (Harry Maguire) and I’m seeing Paul (Pogba) running behind him, sliding on his knees, happy for him,” Fernandes told a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“So, I think honestly it’s just people trying to complain and making stories about this club because we know that when someone talk about this club or about some player of this club they go around the world with their voice. For us, it means nothing.”

Fernandes added: “Here in this club I never heard someone complain about the tactics and I hope no-one does that because it’s not respectful on the coach’s ideas because I think we have been doing so well since he arrived.

“We have more identity as a team, I think”.

The midfielder was glad the Red Devils could call on Cristiano Ronaldo’s “smell for the goal” at the Wanda Metropolitano.

“Cristiano has won this competition many times,” said Fernandes of Portuguese compatriot Ronaldo.

“Everyone knows in this kind of competition he has that smell for the goal, he has that smell for doing different things.”

Fernandes, however, added: “But it is always the first time for someone that wins, so sometimes it’s about someone (getting) more experience.

“When Cristiano won the first one, he probably was not the most influential player or had more experience in that competition (than others) and he won it anyway, and he helped the team win the Champions League.”