Lindelof and Fernandes showed ‘passion’ with row now Man Utd must learn from and strengthen defence, says Berbatov
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Dimitar Berbatov believes the row between Victor Lindelof and Bruno Fernandes showed their “passion” – but insisted his old club must strengthen. The Swedish defender was hammered for losing goalscorer Luuk de Jong as the Dutchman struck a 78th-minute winner for Sevilla in Sunday’s Europa League semi-final. After the goal, Fernandes was […]
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Dimitar Berbatov believes the row between Victor Lindelof and Bruno Fernandes showed their “passion” – but insisted his old club must strengthen.
The Swedish defender was hammered for losing goalscorer Luuk de Jong as the Dutchman struck a 78th-minute winner for Sevilla in Sunday’s Europa League semi-final.
After the goal, Fernandes was seen lambasting Lindelof, pointing and shouting at his colleague who looked astonished at being blamed, shaking his head and bellowing back at the playmaker.
The matter was dealt with there and then, as 25-year-old Fernandes saw it, and he explained post-game that “everyone” was angry after conceding the goal.
Now former United striker Berbatov told Betfair: “The argument between Bruno Fernandes and Victor Lindelof showed passion and I have no problem with that.
“They both care a lot. United must speak about what went wrong now so they can fix these mistakes going forward.
“United need to model themselves on Man City and Liverpool and aspire to that level.
“Last night was a test I thought United would pass, but it is a lesson learned for them.
“You can’t blame inexperience either because they are plenty experienced as players.
“United have a lot to work on to reach the level of City and Liverpool now.”
Berbatov has also encouraged ole Gunnar Solskjaer to go out and strengthen this summer.
They have been linked with moves for Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish, but he wants to see a new defender come in and Scott McTominay return to the starting XI.
The Bulgarian added: “The defeat showed that United need to strengthen their squad this summer. They need a centre-back for sure.
“Midfield and up front seems to be ok. Paul Pogba looks likely to stay and I would like to see Scott McTominay get back in the team.
“But United need more depth, Ole made his first substitution very late last night when things weren’t going well.
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“It does show he trusts his first 11 a lot, but maybe it shows he doesn’t trust his bench so much.
“I find McTominay’s situation really strange. He is fit and ready, he got his contract extension, but he doesn’t play.
“Is it because Matic and Fred play really well? I am not sure, but I like him a lot, so hopefully he can pick up the pace next season and get back into the team.”
For more from Betfair Ambassador Dimitar Berbatov, visit https://betting.betfair.com/football/dimitar-berbatov
