Bruno Fernandes, the Manchester United midfielder, has slammed his critics for treating him differently from other foreign players in the English Premier League.
Fernandes, who cited Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe as an example, said the Ivory Coast international had some bad games, and everyone was saying he still has to adapt.
The Portugal international has been Man United’s best signing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, with the midfielder proving a success since his £47 million move from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020.
The 28-year-old transformed Man United’s fortunes on his arrival, helping the club to a third-place finish in the Premier League.
But Fernandes struggled last season at Man United as many are critical of his passing and tendency to try the difficult option when easier passes are available.
“He [Nicolas Pepe] had some bad games and everyone was saying, ‘He still has to adapt’,” Fernandes told the Athletic.
“But when Bruno was having a bad game, it was just because he was moaning or not focused on the game.
“For me, that was good because it meant that I was ready and that’s why they were demanding so much from me.”
Pepe joined Arsenal in a £72million deal from Lille in 2019.
The 27-year-old is currently on loan at Ligue 1 club Nice.