Bruno Fernandes experienced a frustrating moment when his free-kick hit the crossbar during Manchester United’s goalless draw with Aston Villa, reflecting a tumultuous season that he describes as the toughest of his career in English football. Fernandes has faced a disappointing trajectory, being more accustomed to red cards than victories, and has racked up an unfortunate record of having more shots in the Premier League without finding the back of the net than any other player.
At 30, this season has tested Fernandes, evident as he himself stated on social media, calling it “one of the hardest” phases he’s faced personally. His struggles are compounded by questions surrounding his leadership role within the team, particularly following a red card incident against Porto where he was close to winning the ball.
Despite the criticism, former assistant manager Steve McClaren remains a supporter of the Portuguese midfielder, affirming that Fernandes leads with passion—a trait reminiscent of club legend Roy Keane. McClaren defends Fernandes’ approach to the game, emphasizing his commitment in challenging situations and rebuffing claims about his suitability for captaincy.
Fernandes’ earlier achievements at Sporting have not only bolstered his resume but established him as a player capable of tremendous contributions on the pitch. However, his recent form has raised alarm bells, with dramatic drops in his creative output. Once a consistent creator of chances, Fernandes has found it increasingly difficult to make impactful plays this season, a trend backed by statistical analysis indicating fewer options available to him when receiving the ball.
The decline in his performance raises questions. Has Fernandes become overly cautious in his passing? While he maintains relatively strong possession numbers, the critical concern is why his creative contributions have diminished sharply. Suggestions point to a lack of support and options during play, which negatively affects his ability to execute what he does best.
Fernandes is undeniably dedicated, exemplified by impressive work rate metrics placing him high in pressing statistics. Yet, the effectiveness of this work has come into question, as he struggles to convert pressing into tangible turnovers. Observers, including his former director Andre Geraldes, maintain that the root of the issues shouldn’t rest solely on Fernandes’ shoulders, emphasizing the need for coherent management strategies to harness his talent effectively.
Many, including Geraldes, still view Fernandes as a leader capable of revitalizing his game and contributing greatly to Manchester United. The hope remains that he can navigate through this challenging period and emerge stronger, potentially even contributing to an eventual return to Sporting Lisbon, a scenario that would please passionate supporters of his former club.
Ultimately, Fernandes must focus on the present to reverse his fortunes at Manchester United, as he has the potential to reinvent himself amid adversity. This current phase might very well be one of the most significant challenges of his career.
