Manchester Derby: Pep Guardiola Singles Out Bruno Fernandes Ahead of Etihad Showdown

• Guardiola has praised Bruno Fernandes ahead of the Manchester derby
• The Man City boss described the Portuguese as "an exceptional player"
• Bruno is expected to skipper the United side during the Sunday derby

Pep Guardiola has singled out Bruno Fernandes for praise ahead of the much-awaited Manchester derby.

Reigning English champions Manchester City are scheduled to host rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.

The Sunday cracker comes at a time when United are struggling for consistency, with the Erik ten Hag-tutored side currently placed sixth in the Premier League with 44 points.

According to Metro UK, the Red Devils have just one win in their last six, leaving them with a daunting task in their push to seal a top-four finish at the end of the campaign.

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City, meanwhile, sit second with 59 points after 26 rounds of fixtures.

Given the significance of the Etihad showdown, both clubs are expected to field strong teams to get the job done.

Pep praises Bruno Fernandes

Speaking ahead of the derby, Guardiola was full of praise for Fernandes, who is expected to skipper the United side away at Etihad.

Despite coming under heavy criticism in recent weeks, Guardiola insisted that City must do what it takes to nullify the Portuguese if they are to win the derby.

"He is an exceptional player,’ Guardiola said. ‘Especially the consistency to play in every single game and in every single competition," Pep said.

"I admire him a lot for that. He is a guy that when he has the ball, something is going to happen. In set pieces, in connections with players up front with [Alejandro] Garnacho, with Rashford, all the strikers they have up there. What can I say, he is a really, really important player," he added.

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Fulham troll Fernandes

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Fulham posting a video which appeared to mock Bruno Fernandes.

The Cottagers posted a video on TikTok showing the Portuguese star going down towards the end of the clash against them on Saturday, February 24.

In the video, Fernandes raised his hands as if gesturing for play to be stopped so he could be attended to by medics. Moments later, however, he was seen quickly rising to get on with play.