While this season has started off on a rocky note for Bruno Fernandes at the club level, the Portuguese international is in stellar form for his country. Thanks in part to Fernandes, Portugal secured the top spot in their group with a perfect win record. Throughout the campaign, Fernandes netted four goals and provided assists for seven more. So, are Manchester United truly maximising the potential of a midfielder who often sparks varied opinions? Paul Parker shares his perspective in his quintessential style.
In this article:
- Fernandes’ frustrations impact his game
- United have midfield issues despite signings
- Fernandes is similar to Cantona. Give him the ball
- Parker questions Fernandes’ Captaincy Credentials
Fernandes’ Frustrations Impact His Game
A criticism often directed at Bruno Fernandes is his perceived petulance on the field when things don’t go as planned. He has earned a reputation for voicing complaints to both referees and teammates. Moreover, he’s been called out for trying too hard on the pitch when either he or United face challenges. This behaviour is something Parker has observed and believes stems from pure frustration, especially as the United captain.
“I don’t think he’s being used the best way. We’ve seen him being played out wide and unless you feed him he doesn’t get in the game.
“When that happens he feels obliged to make something happen straight away and he doesn’t do things simply when he should. It’s because he’s frustrated.
“He feels he has to make his mark on the game. He did it against Burnley with that volley. But overall he has struggled. The signings that have come into midfield have changed things around for him.”
United Have Midfield Issues Despite Signings
United have attempted to address one of the club’s long standing on-field issues: the midfield. The acquisitions of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat, combined with injury concerns, have compelled ten Hag to adjust positions and roles. As a result, Fernandes has occasionally been positioned deeper or out wide this season. Parker expresses a desire to see Fernandes in a more free role within the United team and feels that ten Hag has yet to determine the optimal way to utilise his captain.
“ten Hag has used Mount behind the striker and it’s not working at all. Mount needs to be making third man runs behind the striker to create space for Hojlund. It’s not working and it’s a waste to have Fernandes out wide unless you give him the ball.
“Casemiro, Ambrabat, Mount and Fernandes. How is ten Hag going to figure that one out? The manager has got big big problems.”
Manchester United are set to return to action this weekend, as they prepare to take on struggling Sheffield United, which is a game they’ll be expected to come away with three points from. The Red Devils are priced at 2/5 on Fitzdares to beat Sheffield United.
‘Fernandes Can Do Ridiculous Things’
Parker draws a compelling parallel between Manchester United legend Eric Cantona and Fernandes, asserting that both are players to whom you must give the ball. However, he also boldly claims that Fernandes’ teammates are primarily self-centred, concerned more with their own accolades and success.
“When Cantona came to Manchester United we were told by Sir Alex Ferguson to give Cantona the ball which is an easy thing to do.
“It seems like the players would rather do something with the ball themselves to make their own story rather than play for the team.
“Fernandes can do ridiculous things and lose his head but it’s because he’s frustrated. He believes in his ability which isn’t a bad thing.
“I think you’ve got to give him a free role or get him in a position that will be beneficial to him and the team and I don’t think the hag has figured it out.”
Parker Questions Fernandes’ Captaincy Credentials
Whilst Parker is a fan of Fernandes’ ability to make something happen out of nothing he questions whether the midfielder is the right man to be captain of Manchester United.
“I don’t think he should be captain of Manchester United. He’s not the kind of person that should have that position because of the way he is. Is he someone to lead?
“He’s someone to pull something out of the bag when things aren’t going well.”
