Covid-19 positive Bruno Fernandes is in a “last-minute race” to be fit for the second leg of Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Atletico, manager Ralf Rangnick said.
Bruno Fernandes fitness problem exposed as star struggles to play against Atletico (Reuters Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Fernandes in race to recover from Covid ahead of Atletico clash: Rangnick
- Rangnick said Bruno’s absence was caused by a positive Covid-19 test
- Fernandes was absent from United’s 3-2 win over Tottenham
Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes is Covid positive and is in doubt for the Champions League round of 16 clash with Atletico Madrid, according to interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Fernandes was absent from United’s 3-2 win over Tottenham at the weekend along with team-mates Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay. His Portuguese teammate Cristiano Ronaldo scored an impressive hat-trick to give the Red Devils victory.
Rangnick gave an update on the trio’s status, saying Bruno’s absence was caused by a positive Covid-19 test.
“For Scotty, I hope (he’s fit) but he’s had some muscular issues with his calf,” said Rangnick.
“That’s why we decided not to play him (against Spurs) because Scotty… is only valuable if he can perform at 100% of his physical capacity.
“Hopefully Luke will be back in training on Monday and we have to wait for Bruno until Tuesday. This will likely be a last minute race with him – due to COVID-19.
“We have to be careful with COVID-19 tests. David (de Gea) was the same. David was out yesterday, he wasn’t supposed to play but then it turned out that his first quick test was wrong.”
Anthony Elanga salvaged a 1-1 first-leg draw for United at Atletico in February with a late equalizer, leaving the tie well balanced going into the second leg.
Meanwhile, match-of-the-day expert Alan Shearer praised Ronaldo after his stunning performance on Saturday.
“There are some people who think Cristiano Ronaldo is a problem for Manchester United but God knows where they would be without him,” Shearer wrote in his BBC Sport column.
“I said a few weeks ago that United would be a lot worse off than them without Ronaldo. And Saturday’s game against Tottenham summed up why.
