Manchester United attacker Bruno Fernandes has insisted that he is not concerned by his lack of goals and assists in the early stages of the 2022-23 campaign.
The 28-year-old has only managed one goal and two assists in 13 appearances for the 20-time English champions this term, with his only goal coming at Southampton in the Premier League in August.
Fernandes has captained Man United in the absence of Harry Maguire, and he has played every minute of the team's 2022-23 Premier League campaign to date.
There has been criticism of the Portugal international's performances this term, but the attacker said that "class is permanent" when asked about his form.
"If you play as a number ten you will have a lot of last balls and sometimes it is a risky pass," Fernandes told Amazon Prime. "Some people were talking about how 'he doesn't run, he doesn't cover the pitch' - I would like them to see my stats on running.
© Reuters
"I am normally at least in the top three of those who run the most. The one that has the most sprints, the most recoveries but they do not find that stat because I am not scoring goals.
"Like Southampton I didn't do a great game but I scored a goal and everybody was happy with that. Every day I am a better player, I make myself improve to be better every day so I am pretty sure that I am a better player than yesterday.
"No it is not (the toughest time of my career). I struggled to play football (at the beginning) but now I am at one of the biggest clubs in the world that should not be my toughest time.
"I want to score my goals, I want to assist more but that will never be a problem. Obviously class is permanent, you either have it or you don't but life is made by challenge and I have to challenge myself. If my work rate is there, if the work I have been doing for the team is okay, I am pretty sure I will get my goals and assists."
Fernandes made the move to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, and he has represented the Red Devils on 139 occasions in all competitions, scoring 51 goals and contributing 41 assists.
© Reuters
Man United will bring a four-game unbeaten run into Wednesday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
The 20-time English champions have recorded two Europa League wins over Omonia since the 6-3 loss to Manchester City in the Manchester derby, in addition to recording a 2-1 victory over Everton.
Erik ten Hag's side were held to a goalless draw by Newcastle United in the league on Sunday, though, which left them in fifth position in the table on 16 points.
Tottenham, meanwhile, will enter the match off the back of three straight wins in all competitions, including a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday.
Matt Law
