Paul Scholes Says Bruno Fernandes Is 'Becoming A Problem' For Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes is “becoming a problem” for Manchester United, according to former midfielder Paul Scholes.

Fernandes produced another lacklustre performance on Saturday as United were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Southampton at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese midfielder was fortunate to avoid punishment in the second half after appearing to aim a punch at Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

Fernandes was singled out for criticism after full-time by Scholes, who also questioned the tactics of interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

"He [Rangnick] tried to start with a 4-3-3, Scott [McTominay] holding and Fernandes and [Paul] Pogba playing higher up,” Scholes told BT Sport.

"Then he brought Pogba back and shoved Fernandes higher up, I think Fernandes could be a bit of a problem.

"As much as he's a talented lad, when he first came to England he scored so many good goals, so many assists, but he's all over the football pitch."

Fernandes moved to United from Sporting Lisbon in the January transfer window of the 2019-20 season, scoring 12 goals in 22 games in his first six months at the club.

He then followed that up with an excellent second season at Old Trafford, scoring 28 goals in 58 games for the Red Devils.

However, he has struggled to produce his best form this season, scoring only seven goals in 31 games in all competitions, which includes a hat-trick against Leeds on the opening day.

Speaking ahead of the draw against Southampton, Fernandes insisted he remains happy at Old Trafford and believes the club is improving under Rangnick.

“I think we have been doing well,” he told Manchester United’s website.

“There is still a lot to improve on and I think everyone is aware of that, because we know that we can do much better.

“Obviously, since he [Rangnick] came, we have had a lot of good results, but still some results that, when we look back, we think that we could have more points in the league.

“I think he has brought his own way to play, the mentality that he has, the way that he thinks is better for us and that is it.

“After that, every player has to give the best of themselves, to help the team to be better.”