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| Bruno Fernandes will be a fantastic addition to the Manchester United team |
Manchester United finally picked up their first win of 2020 against Norwich City on Saturday. The Red Devils went into the game under a lot of pressure, especially after the disappointing defeat in the Manchester Derby in midweek.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s future had come under the scanner once again and United were beginning to slip away from the elusive 4th spot in the Premier League table. However, the Norwegian threw caution to the wind, set his team up with attacking tactics and came away with 3 vital points on the day.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s future had come under the scanner once again and United were beginning to slip away from the elusive 4th spot in the Premier League table. However, the Norwegian threw caution to the wind, set his team up with attacking tactics and came away with 3 vital points on the day.
Even though United had a near-perfect outing against bottom club Norwich City, there’s no denying that the Red Devils still require reinforcements in the winter transfer window, especially in the midfield, where the options have been limited.
Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay’s injury has exposed United’s lack of options in the middle of the park at the moment. And the Red Devils have lacked imagination quite frequently this season, highlighting the need for fresh blood in the midfield department.
Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay’s injury has exposed United’s lack of options in the middle of the park at the moment. And the Red Devils have lacked imagination quite frequently this season, highlighting the need for fresh blood in the midfield department.
Among the many midfielders currently courted by the Red Devils, one name had appeared prominently in the last couple of days – Bruno Fernandes. The Sporting Lisbon midfielder was monitored by United in the summer, but the club decided against submitting a bid for him then.
It was a decision that has haunted United for the last 6 months, but thankfully, the Red Devils have a chance to redeem themselves this month. The Portuguese has United fans rubbing their hands in glee in anticipation of his impending arrival and here are 3 reasons why Bruno Fernandes will be perfect for Manchester United
It was a decision that has haunted United for the last 6 months, but thankfully, the Red Devils have a chance to redeem themselves this month. The Portuguese has United fans rubbing their hands in glee in anticipation of his impending arrival and here are 3 reasons why Bruno Fernandes will be perfect for Manchester United
#3 He will suit Solskjaer’s style of play
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| Bruno Fernandes will suit Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tactics very well |
The Portuguese might be courted by United for his attacking abilities, but his performance without the ball is also very impressive. At Sporting, Fernandes is very proactive without the ball at his feet and is instrumental in implementing a high press on the pitch. During the games, he is often seen closing down the opposition center-backs and keeping them under constant pressure.
That would suit Solskjaer’s style of play at United. If the initial press does not work, the Portuguese is not adverse to dropping down and helping out his midfield. His anticipation and understanding of the game become very useful then.
That would suit Solskjaer’s style of play at United. If the initial press does not work, the Portuguese is not adverse to dropping down and helping out his midfield. His anticipation and understanding of the game become very useful then.
However, Fernandes’ biggest contribution will most definitely be in the attacking third. The player is an asset during counter-attacks, where his clever runs and intelligent passing can split open any defense. Many times this season, Manchester United’s counter-attacks have fallen short due to the absence of an able passer in the No. 10 position.
The inclusion of Fernandes in this team would certainly make Marcus Rashford and co a lot more dangerous on the counter.
The inclusion of Fernandes in this team would certainly make Marcus Rashford and co a lot more dangerous on the counter.
#2 He is a goal threat
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| Bruno Fernandes has a knack of scoring goals |
Another reason why Bruno Fernandes has been making the news for the last couple of seasons is his goalscoring prowess. The midfielder knows his way to the goal very well and is a fantastic finisher. Apart from Paul Pogba, Manchester United do not have any goalscoring midfielders in the team at the moment.
Too many times this season, United midfielders have found themselves in great positions in the final third but failed to even work the goalkeeper. United need someone from the midfield to take up goalscoring responsibilities and this is where Fernandes could be priceless.
Too many times this season, United midfielders have found themselves in great positions in the final third but failed to even work the goalkeeper. United need someone from the midfield to take up goalscoring responsibilities and this is where Fernandes could be priceless.
The Portuguese is a class above the current midfielders at Old Trafford. Just a simple comparison of stats can reveal how much better Fernandes has been so far. Since the start of the 2018/19 season, the Portuguese has scored 35 goals and registered 24 assists for Sporting.
No one in United comes even close to Fernandes in the goalscoring department. Juan Mata has scored 5 and assisted 6 in the same period, while Pereira has managed just 2 goals and 4 assists. Lingard, who has been preferred constantly in the No. 10 role, has just 5 goals and 2 assists in the same period.
No one in United comes even close to Fernandes in the goalscoring department. Juan Mata has scored 5 and assisted 6 in the same period, while Pereira has managed just 2 goals and 4 assists. Lingard, who has been preferred constantly in the No. 10 role, has just 5 goals and 2 assists in the same period.
#1 His decision-making ability
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| Bruno Fernandes is a fantastic reader of the game |
The main reason why United are desperate to bring the Portuguese to Old Trafford is his creative abilities. Fernandes will most definitely be entrusted with reigniting United’s creative impulse in the final third.
Solskjaer will want him to thread those final balls and get his ferocious front line firing on all cylinders. And one of the reasons why the Portuguese will be a fantastic addition to the United team is his decision-making ability.
Solskjaer will want him to thread those final balls and get his ferocious front line firing on all cylinders. And one of the reasons why the Portuguese will be a fantastic addition to the United team is his decision-making ability.
Fernandes does not try to over complicate things in the middle of the park, even though he is technically sound. He is very nifty with his passes and decides his next course of action well in advance.
The Portuguese is also very aware of the position of his compatriots on the pitch, which enables him to make split-second decisions with the ball at his feet. His leadership qualities, which dictate his decision-making skills, will also be a welcome addition to the United team.
The Portuguese is also very aware of the position of his compatriots on the pitch, which enables him to make split-second decisions with the ball at his feet. His leadership qualities, which dictate his decision-making skills, will also be a welcome addition to the United team.
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