Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has said he "never wants to see Bruno Fernandes win Player of the Year again" and has called on the playmaker to have more of an influence on his team-mates.
Fernandes has been a key figure at Old Trafford and last season enjoyed one of his best years, breaking the record for assists in a season on the way to being named PFA Player of the Year. His performances helped United finish third, thanks to a strong run of form in the second half of the campaign.
Evra calls for a change in approach
Speaking on his Kick Stream as a Stake ambassador, Evra praised Fernandes's match-winning ability but said the midfielder now needs to have a greater impact on those around him, even if that means sacrificing personal awards.
"Bruno will keep winning all the personal awards, but I want him to make his teammates play better," Evra said. "So yes, Bruno will provide assists, score goals, all of that, but let's stop being hypocritical. I'm asking all of Man United, does Bruno make the team play better? Does he control the game? No. But does he win you games? Yes.
"That's more important, but now that he's won the Player of the Year award, I don't want to see him win it again. I want Bruno play a part of the team, to be the maestro, to control the game, to dictate the game. I know what I'm talking about."
Midfield concerns after Hull defeat
Fernandes was unable to inspire United in their opening game as Michael Carrick's side lost 2-0 at Hull, with the Championship play-off winners securing a shock victory that served as a reality check for the former champions.
Evra believes Fernandes needs more help from those behind him, especially if he is playing further forward as a playmaker. He suggested that Kobbie Mainoo should be selected ahead of new signing Youri Tielemans, who started at Hull ahead of Mainoo.
"If you want Bruno to play as the number 10, then fair enough, but you need a midfielder behind him to control the tempo," said Evra. "Someone like Kobbie Mainoo. But that's not the way we're playing right now. Bruno, Mainoo and Baleba are our best midfield. Tielemans is too soft, I prefer Mainoo."
