Lammens hails Fernandes after Chelsea display edges him closer to history

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has showered teammate Bruno Fernandes with praise, as the midfielder nears a historic Premier League milestone.

Fernandes was decisive for United yet again, this time helping the club to a narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The skipper created the only goal of the contest, delivering a fine assist to Matheus Cunha.

The assist marked Fernandes’ 18th of the season, which leaves him just three shy of surpassing the Premier League assist record (20), which is jointly held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.

Aside from the assist, Fernandes played a crucial role in United’s control of the game and was the heartbeat of most of their attacking moves. After the final whistle, Michael Carrick hailed Fernandes’ impact and his importance to the team.

This was emphasised by Lammens, who spoke to The National at length about Fernandes, as he looks to become the Premier League’s undisputed assist king.

Lammens said about the Portuguese playmaker , “For me, it’s no surprise because you see it every day in training. I think he wants to be an example for us in training and every day in those moments in training where you maybe think he can maybe lay off a little bit, but know he’s always there.”

“And then you think he cannot be any better, but then in these big moments, in these big games, he delivers with the ball and without as well, because you guys only see, or most of you guys see the assists, see the things with the ball, but also without the ball the way he fought for us, trying to help the team and trying to keep that clean sheet as well.”

“It’s not only the defenders but the whole team today fought for it so I can’t praise him enough.”

Asked how Fernandes is like in the dressing room as a captain, Lammens told Andy Mitten, “I mean it’s the way I like it to be honest. He’s not always the most vocal. He listens when he needs to, especially before big games or when we have maybe more difficulties.”

The United shot-stopper continued, “He’s also someone who’s very, very hard on himself and on everybody else. That’s why maybe sometimes he can look a little bit frustrated when it’s not going our way but that’s also the way it has to be at this level, because he wants to win Champions Leagues and he wants to win the Premier League .”

“So that’s what he’s thinking about and that’s what he tries to give us as well and tries to take us to his level. So yeah, he’s a leader on and off the pitch.”

“Also, like personally, he was always very nice to me when I came in here in the first days, he was always open arms to me so it’s always a nice feeling when it comes from such an important player and most especially from the captain.”

United are next in action on Monday, 27 April, when they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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