It's time to have a conversation about Bruno Fernandes.
Yes, he can be a very frustrating player to watch because of his antics at times, but it's time to really value him as the amazing player he is.
We often see people demean him as they deem Kevin De Bruyne a better midfielder. The latter may be better, but this should take nothing away from the phenomenal midfielder Bruno Fernandes is.
Kevin De Bruyne has been striving for arguably the best team in Europe for a while now, and his talent and his impact are evident. Bruno Fernandes, on the other hand, joined a team that was literally in shambles, and he completely changed the face of the club. While we were relying on De Gea to save us all the time, we found new hope in Bruno Fernandes when it comes to creativity and attack.
He literally changed the dimension of the team on his own and made everyone around him better.
No midfielder comes close to Bruno in terms of goalscoring record. Not even Kevin De Bruyne, who is on the better team with more quality around him.
Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes have been posting some incredible numbers for some time now. While one is adored, the other is always played down. It's a pity, but it's expected given he plays for United, and our players are usually overly hated and criticized.
Bruno Fernandes is currently the player in the Premier League with the most number of chances created, and if you have been praising Rashford this season, it's also because of the quality of Bruno Fernandes behind him. He has been the one pulling the strings in midfield, showing his versatility with a high work rate, and we've seen how his absence affects our performances. He has been an unsung hero this season, with players like Martinez, Casemiro, and Rashford stealing the show.
Although this season isn't his best interest of goal contributions but the 28 year old has still managed double figures. So excellent are his stats since he moved to Old Trafford that he is rubbing shoulders with Lionel Messi.
Every player out there has a bad game every now and then. Bruno is no exception. But do not let these bits overshadow the fact that we easily have one of the most prolific and talented midfielders in Europe. Let's value him as he should.
Luckily we have a coach in Erik Ten Hag who can spot and appreciates talent, hardwork and passion, at the helms of affairs at the club.
Bruno Fernandes' 100th career goal moved Manchester United one step closer to a top-four finish and the Champions League, and Erik ten Hag praised him for it.
Just before the break, United's captain, Fernandes, scored. Ten Hag's team held onto their lead to defeat fellow top-four opponents Aston Villa. Ten Hag lauded United captain Fernandes for setting an example for the team by persevering through pain in Thursday's 2-2 draw at Tottenham.
“I emphasised it on Thursday, he’s so tough,” said Ten Hag. “A few weeks ago there were questions about his captaincy - it’s crazy, he’s such a big leader, he gives so much energy to the team."
“His determination, his passion, his resilience. You need such players if you want to win games and win trophies.”
It's not the first time the manager has stood up for the former Sporting Lisbon's captain, after his candidacy for the club's arm band was put into doubt following the 7-0 Anfield horror show in March.
"Yes, definitely [still captain], I think he’s playing a brilliant season, he’s played an important role in why we are in the position where we are.
“He’s giving energy to the team, he’s not only running a lot with high intensity, but also in the right way and the right direction.
"He’s pointing and coaching players, he’s an inspiration for the whole team. No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes.
“Everyone has to learn, I have to learn and he will learn as well because he’s intelligent.
“I’m really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and I’m really happy when Harry [Maguire] is not on the pitch that he is our captain.”
Marcus Rashford was another to defend his colleague, saying: “I love playing with Bruno. I don't have anything negative to say."
"Nobody is perfect. Sometimes you want to win so bad you end up doing things a little out of character. But I 100% support Bruno and am behind him."
"As a team we have to support him because he's a fantastic player. We wouldn't be in the position we are in if he wasn't playing games for us."
It's time Man United faithfuls learn to appreciate our players more. Yes we are just hitting some heights after several up and down seasons but in all honesty our darling team now play with purpose, although not the the standard wanted but at least they have earned respect from their rivals.
Remember before, the trip to Anfield, Jurgen Klopp refered to Erik Ten Hag's side as "result machines".
Post a Comment