Bruno Fernandes doesn't want star Man United teammate in XI after 'what I spotted' - Agbonlahor
Bruno Fernandes will continue to impress for Man United as long as Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the side.
That's according to former Aston Villa hitman Gabby Agbonlahor, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the midfielder's form.
Fernandes, 27, has played every minute of Man United's Premier League season but there has been a marked improvement in performances since Ronaldo was dropped to the bench against Liverpool on 22 August.
Ronaldo has not started for the Red Devils since, while Fernandes has scored once and led his side to two more victories.
Agbonlahor insists Fernandes will continue to impress as long as Ronaldo remains on the sidelines.
"It's not a coincidence that Fernandes is playing better with Ronaldo not on the pitch," Agbonlahor told Football Insider's Connor Whitley.
"For Fernandes, when he is on with Ronaldo, maybe he feels like there is a bigger player than him in that team.
"He plays better when he knows he is the best player in the team, his performances have shown that.
"He would probably prefer Ronaldo to not be starting. What I have spotted about Fernandes is that he isn't throwing his arms up in the air.
"He is looking like a leader. No complaining about your teammates, be a leader on the pitch."
Man United are next in action against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday (4 September).
They then return to European action in their opening Europa league game against Real Sociedad on Thursday (8 September)