Bruno Fernandes must be 'driven insane' by Man Utd team-mates with Red Devils told to 'build the team around' midfielder following brace in Premier League draw with Bournemouth

A brace from Fernandes rescued the situation for Man Utd as they took home a solitary point from the Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth. Following the draw, Redknapp, a pundit for Sky Sports and a former Liverpool midfielder, defended the Portugal midfielder, who has often received criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Redknapp said [via The Daily Mail]: "He gets a lot of stick Bruno, a lot of stick. Some of it I get. I also think it is unfair.

"When I watch him play I see a player that genuinely cares. There’s a frustration, and yes sometimes there is pettiness sometimes he’s calling out his players but if I was coming into the club or if it’s the manager Erik ten Hag if he keeps his job – he’s the sort of player you’re looking to build the team around.

"He’s the player. He makes things happen. But what the frustration comes from is that I don’t think people care as much as he does. I see that as an epidemic at the club where people don’t really do enough – do they really care? Do they go flying into tackles? He, on the other hand, does, and I think he sometimes gets himself into situations that he probably shouldn’t.

"But I tell you what he cares about his club, his team, he’s pulled his team back into that game today – I know it’s a penalty the second goal – but I just see a player that you could build the team around and I don’t see many other players that share the same appetite that he does."

Fernandes has often been criticised for his performances with the Red Devils since he was handed the captain's armband. However, he has still been one of the few players who have worked harder than the rest to get the results as per the former Liverpool midfielder. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ideas to revamp the dressing room for next season, it is possible that Fernandes could finally be paired up with profiles that match his creative output.

Regardless of what happens concerning his future at the club, the Man Utd captain will be focused on the last few matches before the end of the season, with the club looking extremely unlikely to make Champions League football next year. They will take on Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday, April 21, with the trophy being their last shot at silverware.