No Bruno, Big Problems?

0:28So good, so good, so good. Welcome in to the latest edition of ESPN FC. I'm Dan Thomas with a very festive Shaka Hislop, not so much, Steamy Nicholl. What a lovely mood he's in. We thought we were happy with Craig away, but he definitely stepped into his shoes. I stayed it on, I was about to. I'll go and do that. Alright, let's take a look at the Premier League standings. There is one game and one game only on Boxing Day and it sees Manchester United take on Newcastle. United will be in action without Bruno Fernandes. Here's Ruben Amari. It's impossible to replace Bruno, but I said that in this morning to the team.

1:10I think we need to take the good thing. If there is a good thing on that, a lot of people need to step up. And if you see that it's not just the creation, but every set piece is the guy that is organizing sometimes the team. And that is a good opportunity for everyone to step up and to understand that we cannot rely on one player for everything. And sometimes we rely on Bruno in the organization, in the creation. We lost Bruno in set pieces. We lost Brian and Ahmad in set pieces. So this is massive for the team, but it's an opportunity for other players to step up and to show the leadership that we need in the team.

1:54What did you lose on the pitch? Everything. Everything. Because, again, he understands every position on the field. He pays attention to every detail. Every set piece, when you have a substitution, he's always the guy that is telling the other guys where they should be. But that is a very good opportunity for guys like Leach, Luke Shaw, all these guys. We need to step up to have more leaders in the group because this can happen to Bruno. It's not usual, but this can happen. So it's a big opportunity for the other guys.

2:35Dante, Newcastle loving this, Don. I tell you what, I think he's spot on. I remember me and Stevie having the debate when he was rumoured to be leaving about six months ago. I never thought Bruno Fernandes was the problem. The debate was, do they try and get 100 million for him, try and replace him. I think what Amrim's saying there is absolutely spot on. He is the big fish there. He's got the character that demands the ball. His personality is that way. I think he's come on a long way. But he's not there tomorrow. He's not there for Boxing Day, Don. That's the point, isn't it? It's quite depressing that your manager's coming out and going, whoa, this is terrible news.

3:15Well, I think what you can label at Ruben Amrim from the very start is he's always been very honest. So he's not going to fudge it. He's not going to bluff it and go, no, well, Bruno won't be missed. I mean, if he says that, I don't think it's his style. He's more or less saying, well, listen, we're missing him. It's going to be a massive loss because he's the player when we're in trouble that demands the ball all of the time. He's like the kid in the school park. He takes free kicks. He takes corners. He scores goals. Does everything. So now what I think Amrim's saying is, right, who's got the character?

3:44Who's got the bottle? And who wants to step up and try and replace him if they can? Does that work with players, Stevie? No. I don't get this I mean seriously Don't talk about how honest he is How about just keep your mouth closed Okay Bruno's not playing What's the answer Well I'm sure we'll miss him But we're going to have to figure it out That's it And in fact I pleased hope And pray That he didn't give all that spiel to the players Well the players can hear No he said at the start This is what I told the players Right So basically he sat all the players down and said Is there any point in us turning up?

4:22Because he takes all the free kicks, he scores all the goals, he does that, he's the one that sorts out, I mean, everybody else. I mean, we're sunk, aren't we? I mean, what's that all about? Why even mention it to the players or anybody? OK, we don't have Bruno Fernandes. Right, this is what we're doing. You don't need... No, I'm sorry. Keep your mouth closed. But he's right when you take a look. Nobody's saying he's not right. He is absolutely spot on that Bruno Fernandes is no question the key. But you don't sit your players down and say, oh, by the way, I've got some bad news for you, lads.

4:58We're sunk because Bruno's not here. I mean, that's kind of translated what he's done. They haven't won the last seven games without Bruno, Shaka. Is Stevie right? Was this a mistake? Absolutely he's right. And Stevie always says, just because somebody asked you a question doesn't mean you have to answer. Bruno Fernandes is not there. okay I'm talking about the players who are here I'm putting words in Amarim's mouth here or what should have been in his mouth um I'm talking about the players who are here and then in behind closed doors he is again talking to the players like Luke Shaw and whoever else he mentions as to pick up that slack that slack about leadership and understanding substitutions and how that impacts the game for both sides all those things that he he detailed that Bruno does um but but to do so in the manner that he did makes no real sense.

5:47You're going on about Bruno is your best player. Yeah, we know that. All the things that he brings to the team, and then somehow we're supposed to believe that's a positive, that that's an opportunity for whether it's Shaw, Casemiro, or whoever. You're losing your best player. You've already lost Diallo and Mbwemo to the Africa Cup of Nations. Speak positively about what's left. And I know we're just taking a snippet of the overall press conference, but he mentioned for me, even in that snippet, the players who are unavailable far too often, especially given their importance to the team. Don? No, I understand what the lads are saying.

6:29I just think he's trying to more or less say how important Bruno is. When you look at that potential team, potential Man United team there, you think, where's the numbers going to come from? Agate's been a major disappointment. If Casemiro's fit, you look at it on paper and you think, well, they're two defensive midfield players. So who's going to create the numbers that he creates? I mean, the lads, I think, have got a point. If you go overboard and you tell everyone and tell the world how important it is, it might have a negative effect on the dressing room. But I'm not too bothered what he says.

6:56I've always been quite OK with him being really honest. And sometimes the players on the pitch and the lads might agree or disagree that you need a bit of honesty and say, which one are you? Is it going to be Mason Mount? Which one are you guys are going to fill in for Bruno Fernandes? Who's going to take the corners and the free kicks and get the assists and get the goals? Which ones are going to be? So put it on the players. I don't mind that. So would that inspire you, Don? If you're Luke Shaw and you're hearing that, you're thinking, right, now's the time for me to really step up. But as a professional footballer, surely you don't need that motivation.

7:27Well, if you mention Luke Shaw, I mean, the guy's been there for an awful long time. So he's an experienced player that should know better. Well, that's why I'm saying Luke Shaw because obviously Amarine did. Yeah. Yeah, which has always been fair, but I don't think that's in Luke Shaw's character or makeup. He doesn't seem the type to me that would ever wear the armband because he needs to look after his own game. So I think he's mentioned him because he's experienced and wants to be a leader. The same as Martinez, who's just come back from injury. He's potentially a leader. But the leaders by, or Martinez is a leader by galvanizing the players like a Roy Keane would.

8:00But Bruno Fernandes does it with his actions. He puts the numbers up there. constantly putting the numbers up there. So, you know, is a Newcastle fan or a Newcastle player, Eddie Howe, whatever, you're looking at that potential XI, you're thinking, this is an easy, beatable Man United XI. Having said that, let's take a look at the predictions. I have to admit, when I made the predictions, I didn't realise how rubbish United's team was going to be. However, let's take a look. I say 3-3. Everyone else has gone for a Newcastle win. Of course, this game is at Old Trafford. Shaq, I know that Initially, you said 2-2 and changed your mind.

8:38No, it was just some quiet reflection, Dan. That's just all it is. And kind of given, again, all the things that Amarim said, it was an easy adjustment to make. You know, you are missing Bruno Fernandes. You're already missing the two players that I mentioned, Mbwemo and Diallo off the Africa Cup of Nations. Kind of given some of Manchester United's own up and downs, Newcastle have had their fair share as well. You just wanted how this would play out. And as I've said time and time again, you give a team an excuse to lose a game nine times out of ten, they're going to take it. In my opinion, Amory have given Manchester United that excuse to lose against Newcastle to Boxing Day.

9:24I think Manchester United take it. I think Newcastle win the game. Having said that, though, Don, I am putting no money anywhere near Newcastle this season because I just don't trust them. No. And you're right. And I've just said there should be an easy win. And I've got it as a 2-1 because you can't trust Newcastle away from home. The home, sorry, the away form is horrendous. You know, it's awful. I'd bank on Newcastle to beat anyone at home. But the away form is awful. And they're dropping all these points when they're ahead, Don, as well. Yeah, absolutely. You can go back to one of the first couple of games when they were getting a draw against Liverpool when they were down to 10 men and Ngamoua scored in the last second of the game.

10:05They had Arsenal beating at home. Arsenal scored two late goals. That was more points dropped. Recently, they were winning 2-0 against Spurs. Romero scored the bicycle kick, got it back to 2-2. The last game, Chelsea beating them 2-0 at halftime. Should have been 3-4 or 5. I thought they walloped them and got another 2-2. So you're right, Dan. I mean, I dread watching Newcastle away because they're like a completely different side. They don't have the same authority. They don't have the same belief. They're not willing to step onto teams and play like they're at home, where they're aggressive.

10:34It's almost like they play what it looks like, a more tactical game, and it doesn't suit them.

10:43As unpredictable as Newcastle can be away from home, you can't go against Newcastle with this Man United team. They're not unpredictable. They're rubbish. I'm sorry. I see this as the game where away from home, Newcastle. I put 2-1. I was going to put 3-1. And I wish I had put 3-1 now. Well. Because I want to think about it. I'm looking at that Man United. When you look at that Man United team on paper. Yeah. Somebody tell me where the goal's coming from. We're talking about Newcastle letting late goals in and dropping points. Well, who's going to score? Are you really successful? Have you got any defenders, Stevie?

11:17Newcastle. Pardon? Got loads of injuries. Well, Man United's got to get that far up the field. So can I ask a question? Sure. You wanted to change it to 3-1. Yeah. Why not 3-0? If no one's gonna score Well, see you did that little finger I as if you thought you were being dead clever You see I Is if you really pull something I think well because as you said Newcastle unpredictable right so they might lose a goal

11:48It's gonna be an on goal. Oh really? Yeah

11:59again. He's on a run. He's going to put it and go, oh no, wrong goal. Is that what he's going to say? Yeah. With the German. I'm German. He's going to go, nein!

12:12Yeah, I'm sorry. It's like you're a puppeteer. It's like Dan, you're the puppeteer and you just pull and streave his strings. I love him. He's buckling everywhere. Of course, there will be no Marcus Rashid for this game. He's on loan at Barcelona and very much enjoying himself at the moment. an interview that dominated the headlines in the Spanish newspapers. There is pressure here, but it's not negative pressure. It's the kind you crave as a player, the kind I want and have always wanted as a footballer. I can't be in a place where there aren't high expectations for me. It's harder to stay motivated and give my best at a club where the demands aren't at their peak.

12:51Surely there were high expectations of him at United and he didn't deliver, Don. Nah, you're right I mean the only thing I can read into that statement and I thought about Marcus Rashford for quite a while and some players need to get out of where they're from and the team that they support Marcus Rashford case in point sometimes as a player you've got to try and get out of Manchester and it's not Manchester United's fault it's just the environment he might feel as though coming through the academy there was too much expectation or pressure and he couldn't quite live up to it he hasn't been great when he's played by Man United like in moments you saw the real Rashford I remember smash morning against Man City in the top corner from about 35 yards some players I think Dan just need to get out of there and not and I say this loosely like not carry the club because if he probably feels like the pressure was all on him to carry it being a homegrown player so that's probably why he's gone away to Barca and that's probably why he's thinking it's a different pressure it's a winning mentality that are a winning machine they're a world-class side brilliant manager etc etc and it might just be a little bit easier for him?

13:59Listen, I'm a huge Marcus Rashford fan, but the more I see his improvement at Barcelona, the more I kind of feel... It's a sentiment I express about Paul Pogba, that good player in a good team, but in a bad team, when he's the star or he's the leader of it, I'm not sure that he delivers in the way that you expect. So he goes into Barcelona who have an identity, who have their stars, who know what they're about, and Marcus Rashford adds to that. Contrast that with Manchester United, who, as big a club as they are, as much glory as they've seen, are struggling by that comparison to their former selves.

14:45And he is the big-name player. He is the star that people are looking at to lead. by example on and off the park and and he just isn't able to deliver no that is not a slight on on his talent or his abilities but more it's more descriptive of his personality and so i don't think he will ever be the player for manchester united that he's shown he can be for barcelona or indeed england when he was at his best for them 100 mentality problem 100 you know the best players it doesn't matter what team they're playing on. They put a certain amount of pressure on themselves to play at a certain standard, whether you're playing for Barcelona, Man United, or anybody else.

15:32That's the point. And Marcus Rashford clearly can't handle it unless he's playing with better players. He can't take it. His mentality is not strong enough to go past that and figure out how he can do the best for himself, which in turn does the best for his team, regardless of whether they're fantastic players or whether they're just average players. His mentality is absolutely not top class at all. Top class mentality is always there though in the Gavin Jules podcast. You see that little segue? I love that. I thought it was great. You're doing that little thing with your eyes again.

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19:08I have to say, Stevie. It's pretty good. It's pretty good, isn't it? Yeah. Yeah, I like it. I'm biased. Maybe I'm biased. I don't think you can argue with... I would have Semenya instead of Fernandes.

19:26Well, here's the thing. It's not your level. So, well, Semenyu plays further up. Yes. And Fernandez, we've just been speaking about Rashford, not being able to perform. Fernandez is carrying that man-unated side. I mean, let's be honest. We can talk about how good or how bad they are, but a club that size, he's carrying them on his shoulders. And he's still got a really good number, so I think he deserves to be in it. Before we hear your point, Shaka, if you wouldn't mind, I'm going to get Don starting 11, which is a bit different. and I don't quite get it, Don. Well, I'm giving other players a bit of love.

20:04No, that's not the task! Interesting that Stevie went for Gabriel. No, no, no, no. Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Interesting Stevie went for Gabriel and Saliba. They've been injured for about a month and a half. So I'm giving Dan Ballard a bit of love and I'm giving Mark Gerhi a bit of love. I'm giving Matty Cash a little bit of love. Tyric Mitchell. Granit Xhaka's been outstanding at Sunderland. Telemans, outstanding at Villa. Declan Rice, amazing. Morgan Rogers, Harland and Harry Wilson at Fulham. The catalogue that Harry Wilson's got in terms of his goals, off the charts. What an 11 that is.

20:39OK, where do you want to start? That's correct. What an 11 that is.

20:48Telemans is one that stands out, Don, considering having a go at Gabriel Saliba. He's missed six games this season.

20:56I'll give you tea lemons but I mean you've got to give the likes of Dan Ballard and Granit Xhaka and Mark Gahey a bit of love come on and Harry Wilson's been outstanding I mean if that team of yours was playing that team I mean who would you put your money on that's not the point that's not the point I'm going for players in form I'm going for players in form You've got two centre-backs in that, in your 11, that are rusty. They're rusty. Don't they've conceded ten goals all season, Arsenal, yet none of them are in the back four? You can't just look at the numbers and look at who's top... Hold on, I think it says underneath...

21:40Right, who's top the league? Who's top the league, Arsenal? Let's just pick an Arsenal 11. Underneath Don, it says Premier League mid-season best 11. Yes. Not in form 11. No, that's very true, Stevie. Yes. That's the same thing. It's exactly the same thing. It's not. Harry Wilson in the last two weeks has scored some great goals. What did he do for the first 12 games? But there's every chance at the end of the season, the likes of Granit Xhaka or Harry Wilson might not be in it in the long term. In the short term, where we are now, 100 % they're in it. Who's done well over the last 18 games? I know.

22:19I know what it means. Did you see Matt Cash at the weekend? In form. Well, that's one game. I thought you said in form. You said in form. Well, hang on. I'm only using you once. Where's Gabriel and Saliba come from? Gabriel and Saliba on the treatment table three weeks ago. It's over 18 games. Gabriel's still here. By the way, hang on. Gabriel's played 15 games and missed three. Right. So 15 games. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Gabriel is still on the treatment table. He's still on the treatment table now, Gabriel. How are you picking him? Oh, he's missed, what, three games? Out of 18? Yeah, he's on the treatment table.

23:01Yeah, he's injured. He's on the treatment table. He's injured. You're picking a crop. Oh, you're right. He's on the treatment table, you're right. Harry Wilson's first goal, Don, was November the 1st. When did the season start? End of August. August. August, July. Have you not seen the catalogue of goals you scored lately? Did you see August, July? LAUGHTER LAUGHTER LAUGHTER LAUGHTER LAUGHTER LAUGHTER LAUGHTER Oh, goodness me! LAUGHTER LAUGHTER I think you're backing up the old team. He's been on the sherry. Did you have Semenyo, Don? Oh, God. I could have put Semenyo in, but I could only put 11.