Sport
Is Bruno Fernandes the missing link at Man United?
After Bruno Fernandes joined Man United at the end of January 2020, he transformed the Red Devils who were a different side to the first half of the season. According to former player and club legend Paul Scholes, Man United went from “a little bit of a dull team, to one player coming in and all of a sudden they look like they’re going to create, they look like they’re going to score goals every time he’s in possession of the ball.”
Scholes went on to suggest that Bruno Fernandes is playing a crucial role in the transformation of the squad, one comparable to that of David Silva’s impact at Manchester City. The Portugal international is the type of player who links play together and makes the entire team perform better. We decided to take a look at why Bruno Fernandes has become so pivotal for Man United in only six months.
A great match with Pogba
Since Fernandes arrived at Man United, The Red Devils have averaged a goal every 24 minutes in which Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes were both on the pitch, having played 219 competitive minutes together since the restart of the Premier League.
If Man United retain Pogba next season, they will be hoping that they have a partnership that will be fruitful for years to come at Old Trafford. Analysts have frequently questioned what Pogba’s best position within United’s midfield is, with the Frenchman having been deployed in attacking, defensive and central positions at various points. Since the arrival of Fernandes, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems to have solved the problem and is mostly using Pogba in a number 10 role with Bruno Fernandes playing in a deeper position.
In this formation, the France international tends to play much closer to the strikers. Although Pogba only scored once and provided two assists since recovering from an ankle injury, he has been incredibly important in building up the attack when United are pressing forward. Together with Nemanja Matić in a more defensive role, United look to have a top-tier midfield in place for next season.
Bruno Fernandes Man United stats prove how valuable he is
Man United are unbeaten in the Premier League since Fernandes joined the club, finishing the season with an impressive 14-match unbeaten run that began on February 1st with a goalless draw against Wolverhampton and demonstrating the extent to which he is spurring the team on.
What looked like an average team at the end of 2019 have now been transformed into a great one. Since the former Sporting Lisbon player made his debut in the Premier League, Man United have won more points than any other team. United won 32 points during that period, two more than rivals Man City and 3 more than champions Liverpool.
Will his impact continue next season?
With the exception of the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea, United didn’t lose a game since Fernandes arrived at Old Trafford. Fernandes led Man United to third place and they will play in the Champions League next season as a result.
Fernandes was evidently disappointed after losing his first game as a Man United player, with the club missing their only remaining chance to win a trophy. However, he had an important message for Man United fans after the game. The 25-year-old made a promise to the fans assuring them that the Reds will be an even stronger force than before.
Is Fernandes the missing link who will inspire United to compete for the top prizes once again? The second season can be the hardest one at a new club so the jury is open as to whether Fernandes’ impact at Man United will continue or if opposition teams can figure out a way to stop him.
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