Bruno Fernandes ‘has been talking about his former Sporting Lisbon team-mate Raphinha ever since he arrived’ at Manchester United, reveals Fred… as he praises Leeds rival’s ‘amazing season’
- Bruno Fernandes has warned Manchester United of Raphinha’s threat for Leeds
- Midfielder hasn’t forgotten ability of his former team-mate at Sporting Lisbon
- Fred revealed Fernandes has praised Raphinha ever since arriving in Manchester
- United face Leeds this weekend after beating them 6-2 back in December
Fred has revealed his Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes has been singing the praises of Leeds winger Raphinha ever since the Portuguese star arrived at Old Trafford.
Fernandes and Raphinha played together at Sporting Lisbon when the Brazilian spent the 2018/19 season in Portugal, and he clearly made an impact while he was there.
Ahead of United’s clash with Leeds this weekend, Fred admitted it would be a big boost to his side if Raphinha misses out, with the winger a doubt due to injury.
Fred revealed Bruno Fernandes has warned his team-mates of the quality Raphinha holds
Fernandes and Raphinha were team-mates when they were at Sporting Lisbon together
‘Bruno’s been talking about Raphinha ever since he arrived. They played together at Sporting,’ Fred told United’s official website.
‘He’s a great player having an amazing season and a lot of clubs have their eye on him.
‘I met him recently, great guy, excellent player but… I hope he won’t be lining up against us! [laughs]
‘I wish him a quick recovery and a lot of success in his career. He’s a stand-out star player for Leeds so, of course, it’s better for us if he’s not on the pitch.
‘If he does play, we’ll look to mark him carefully and work on our game-plan as best as possible. We’ll try to nullify his threat to come out on top in this game.’
The Brazilian has had an impressive first season in England after joining Leeds in October
Raphinha joined Marcelo Bielsa’s side in October from Rennes, and has had an impressive first season in England with six goals and the same number of assists to his name.
His former team-mate Fernandes has also continued the form he has shown ever since arriving in Manchester, with 24 goals and a 13 assists in all competitions for his club so far this season.
Two of those came when United played Leeds earlier this season at Old Trafford, in an extraordinary 6-2 win for the home side.
Raphinha assisted both of Leeds’ goals in that heavy defeat, and his side will come into this match again Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in high spirits despite the memories of that loss.
Leeds are unbeaten in their last five matches, including draws against Chelsea and Liverpool and a win away at Manchester City, and are in a strong position to finish their first season back in the Premier League in the top half of the table.
Fernandes scored twice the last time the two sides met in a 6-2 win for United at Old Trafford
