Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has named the three toughest opponents he has faced since joining the club, including a key Arsenal midfielder. Fernandes, who has been an influential figure at Old Trafford since arriving in 2020, has gone up against some of the best players in the Premier League. Despite boasting an impressive record of 161 goal involvements in 259 appearances, the Portuguese playmaker admitted that certain players have made life particularly difficult for him on the pitch.
During an appearance on *Sky Sports’ Saturday Social*, Fernandes was asked to name the most challenging opponents he has encountered in the league. He highlighted three standout midfielders, all of whom have caused him significant problems due to their defensive abilities, tactical awareness, and physical presence. The three players he selected were **N’Golo Kanté, Rodri, and Declan Rice**.
### **Bruno Fernandes’ Toughest Opponents**
1. **N’Golo Kanté**
The former Chelsea midfielder was known for his incredible work rate, defensive intelligence, and ability to disrupt opposition attacks. Kanté was widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world before his move to Saudi Arabia. His relentless pressing and ball-winning ability made it extremely difficult for attacking players like Fernandes to find space and dictate play. Throughout his time at Chelsea, Kanté was a key figure in frustrating creative midfielders, constantly breaking up play and making crucial tackles.
2. **Rodri**
The Manchester City star is often considered the best defensive midfielder in world football at the moment. Rodri plays a pivotal role for Pep Guardiola’s side, dictating the tempo of games while also providing strong defensive cover. His ability to control possession, make intelligent interceptions, and break up opposition attacks makes him a nightmare for attacking midfielders. Fernandes acknowledged that Rodri’s positioning and composure on the ball make it extremely challenging to play against him, as he not only prevents attacks but also initiates City’s offensive play from deep areas.
3. **Declan Rice**
Since moving to Arsenal from West Ham United, Rice has further elevated his game, becoming one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League. His physicality, defensive awareness, and passing range allow him to dominate the midfield. Rice’s ability to win the ball back, cover large areas of the pitch, and distribute play effectively has made him a formidable opponent for Fernandes. The Manchester United captain recognized that Rice’s all-around qualities make him a very difficult player to face.
### **Why Defensive Midfielders Are Bruno’s Biggest Challenge**
It is notable that Fernandes chose primarily defensive-minded midfielders rather than attacking playmakers. This suggests that he struggles more against players who focus on breaking up play and disrupting his rhythm rather than those who compete with him in terms of creativity. Defensive midfielders like Kanté, Rodri, and Rice excel at pressing, tackling, and controlling the game, making it difficult for Fernandes to influence matches in the way he typically does.
By selecting these three players, Fernandes has highlighted the importance of defensive midfielders in modern football. Their ability to neutralize playmakers and dictate the tempo of games is crucial for their respective teams. His comments also reinforce just how tough the Premier League is, with world-class midfielders making every game a challenge.
