Having a higher-caliber striker could have led Manchester United to notch an additional 10 goals in the previous Premier League season, thanks to the inventive prowess of Bruno Fernandes. “I could talk about Bruno Fernandes capabilities all day long,” remarked midfielder Casemiro in early June.
Bruno Fernandes could unlock more potential
The 5 times Champion League winner talks about Bruno
Views on Fernandes are diverse, with some seeing him as a leader while others perceive him as overly theatrical. Both aspects hold merit, as he wore the Manchester United captain’s armband for a considerable portion of the previous season. Even coach Erik Ten Hag acknowledged, “Fernandes is an on-field role model due to his boundless energy, contributing to the team’s transitional play.” Even at Manchester United, Fernandes faces mixed opinions, as not every fan holds the Portuguese midfielder in high regard. Some are dissatisfied with his gestures on the field, such as pressuring referees, berating teammates, or raising his arms in frustration, which could be misinterpreted. “That’s not the case,” Fernandes explained earlier this year. “People often think I’m scolding teammates in a negative way, but it’s quite the opposite. Not every time I raise my arms signifies negativity.” In the 2022-2023 season, forward Marcus Rashford shone with 30 goals in 56 matches, the team’s highest tally in a decade. Nonetheless, according to Casemiro, Fernandes remains pivotal at Manchester United. “Fernandes is like a machine, driving the whole team forward,” added the Brazilian midfielder.
Casemiro loves to play with the “Little De Bruyne”
The truth about Bruno’s performance
In the Premier League last season, only five players exerted more pressure on opponents than Fernandes. At Man Utd, this midfielder sustains the highest level of engagement with opponents, even while boasting the most appearances across Europe. He accumulated a total of 5,163 minutes of play in all competitions throughout the previous season, a feat unmatched by any other player in Europe, with the closest at 4,760 minutes. “Whenever I asked him if he wanted to sit out the next game, he declined,” disclosed Ten Hag. Fernandes’ energy is so abundant that he frequently approaches the referee after contentious decisions. He has also reprimanded the official, tumbled in the penalty area, or even nudged an assistant referee, actions that often went unpunished.
Bruno showed an exceptional performance last season
When Fernandes performs actions that might appear unsavory but ultimately benefit Man Utd, fans of the team often comment, “He might be a troublemaker, but he’s our troublemaker.” In the previous season, Fernandes secured eight goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League. He ranks 29th in goals and ninth in assists. However, the former Sporting midfielder’s influence extends far beyond these numbers. A player’s attacking impact can be evaluated through the combination of three key metrics: shots taken, passes leading to teammate finishing, and key passes that set up shots. When these three factors converge, Fernandes leads the Premier League with a substantial margin over those trailing behind him. Fernandes played a role in a staggering 291 shots, personally finishing 82 times and providing 109 assists that led to teammate finishes. The combination of these two parameters is sufficient to claim the league lead. Moreover, the 29-year-old midfielder was involved in the ball deployment process that led to a finishing phase 100 times. These statistics not only underscore his efficiency but also illuminate how Fernandes operates like a high-capacity “machine”. In the previous season, Brighton registered the highest shot count in the Premier League at 613, while Man Utd stood fourth alongside Arsenal with 593. Despite other teams having numerous playmakers, Fernandes spearheads the majority of the “Red Devils” attack. Fernandes’ direct style of play significantly contributes to his topping of these aforementioned parameters. He completed 201 passes throughout the tournament, a feat that ranks him within the top five players. Additionally, Man Utd led in direct attacks with 102 phases, resulting in them scoring the most goals from these plays, totaling 9 goals.
“New hope” for both MU and Bruno this season
The quality striker from Denmark could be a key to unlocking everything
Possessing the capability to execute sweeping movements, maintain a relentless pressing strategy, exhibit off-ball mobility, and demonstrate adeptness with both feet, Rasmus Hojlund perfectly aligns with the criteria sought for a Man Utd striker, in accordance with Coach Erik ten Hag’s vision. This holistic approach to gameplay renders Hojlund more than just an attack-concluding specialist; rather, he becomes a player adept at connecting the various facets of offensive play. Remarkably, Hojlund averages one shot every 13 touches, securing him the 69th position among Europe’s top-five-league strikers. The synergy between Hojlund and Bruno could herald an exciting new chapter for MU.