Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has named Arsenal star among the toughest players he has faced in the Premier League
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed the three toughest opponents he has faced during his time at Old Trafford, including an Arsenal star among the most difficult midfielders to play against.
Fernandes, who has been a key figure for United since his arrival in 2020, has faced some of the best midfielders in the world while competing in the Premier League. Despite his impressive record of 161 goal involvements in 259 appearances, the Portuguese playmaker admitted that certain players have posed significant challenges.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Saturday Social, Fernandes said: “In the Premier League, you play against top players. [N’Golo] Kanté was difficult, Rodri is really difficult, Declan Rice is really difficult.
Bruno Fernandes’ selection of N’Golo Kanté, Rodri, and Declan Rice as his toughest opponents highlights the type of midfielders who have given him the most trouble—defensive workhorses with strong physicality, tactical intelligence, and the ability to control the game.
– **N’Golo Kanté** – Known for his relentless energy, tackling, and ability to break up play, Kanté was a nightmare for attacking midfielders before leaving Chelsea for Saudi Arabia.
– **Rodri** – Arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world right now, Rodri dictates Manchester City’s tempo while also being defensively solid.
– **Declan Rice** – Since moving to Arsenal, Rice has improved further, combining ball-winning ability with a strong passing range and box-to-box energy.
It’s interesting that Fernandes primarily named defensive midfielders rather than playmakers. It suggests that he finds it more challenging to play against opponents who disrupt his rhythm rather than those who rival him in creativity.
