Europa League: He sacrifices himself like Rooney did for Ronaldo – Paul Scholes lauds Man Utd star

Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes, has lauded midfielder Bruno Fernandes’ selfless performance on the wing in recent games for the Red Devils and likened him to club legend Wayne Rooney.

Fernandes has been used increasingly off the flank by Man United manager Erik ten Hag, with Wout Weghorst lining up as a number 10 in recent games.

However, that system nearly backfired during their UEFA Europa League playoff second leg tie against Barcelona on Thursday night at Old Trafford, with the Spanish La Liga giants taking a lead on the night and Weghorst was withdrawn at half-time.

Fernandes was restored to his normal central role after the restart, and the Portugal international quickly assisted Fred before Antony scored what proved to be the winner in a 2-1 (4-3 on aggregate) victory against Barcelona.

Speaking on BT Sport, Scholes hailed Fernandes for sacrificing himself for the team just like Rooney did for Cristiano Ronaldo in the past at Old Trafford.

“I don’t think it was key in the first half because I don’t think it worked particularly well. We know Bruno [Fernandes] will sacrifice himself to play out there,” Scholes said.

“Sancho was playing in a little bit of a different position – OK, he came on, on Sunday and did OK there – but he is not comfortable there, he wants to be out in the wider spaces.

“And sacrifice is what it’s all about in these big games. You mention Wayne Rooney, he did it so many times to accommodate Cristiano Ronaldo and just bringing that anticipation and quality to the team that Bruno has, wherever he plays in the team, he’s capable of creating a goal,” he added.