Bruno Fernandes’ Role Evolution at Manchester United

Since the departure of Ruben Amorim, Bruno Fernandes has been utilized in a more advanced role at Manchester United, showcasing his skills effectively since returning from injury. His contributions have been highlighted in consecutive Premier League matches against Burnley and Manchester City, where he made notable plays that contributed to his team’s success.

As Manchester United prepares to face Premier League leaders Arsenal, who have the strongest defensive record in the league, concerns arise regarding the timing of reintroducing Fernandes to the starting lineup. FPL expert Holly Shand and her colleagues from the FPL Podcast provide insights on the optimal moment to reintegrate him into team strategies.

Holly Shand remarks on Fernandes’ resurgence, stating, “He is quickly regaining essential status, having been the top-scoring midfielder in the game prior to a hamstring injury during the festive period. Playing in a more offensive capacity has significantly enhanced his attacking potential, as evidenced by his six key passes during the 2-0 victory over Manchester City, which included four major scoring opportunities.”

Currently, Fernandes leads the Premier League with 62 key passes and 15 big chances created, complemented by nine assists, particularly excelling in set-piece situations, including penalties. Despite Arsenal’s solid defensive record, with 11 clean sheets this season and a previous victory over Manchester United, the latter’s recent resurgence under a new manager and a convincing derby win may boost their confidence.

Statman Dave emphasizes Fernandes’ performance against Manchester City, noting he had more touches in advanced areas than any other United player, contributing to six chances and securing an assist in a match where such a feat had never been accomplished against a Pep Guardiola-led team.

Looking ahead, Shand suggests that Gameweek 24 is a more strategic time to consider bringing Fernandes back into the lineup, particularly with consecutive home fixtures against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. This timing may encourage managers to switch from Phil Foden to Fernandes after Manchester City’s match against Wolves.

Eilidh Barbour shares a similar sentiment, indicating that Fernandes’ role has evolved since Amorim’s tenure, suggesting greater potential for contributions moving forward.

While Statman Dave advocates for acquiring Fernandes, he advises caution, recommending to wait until after the match against Arsenal, labeling them as one of the league’s toughest opponents.

In addition, Statman Dave highlights the potential of Patrick Dorgu, a £4.3 million defender, who has demonstrated his scoring capability recently, noting his impressive performance over the last five game weeks. However, he cautions about Dorgu’s playing position, which may impact his effectiveness.