Superstar Spotlight: Bruno Fernandes exceeding all expectations as Manchester United's midfield maestro
SBI Soccer
3 Yrs Ago
Bruno Fernandes arrival at Manchester United was expected to help the English giant’s faltering campaign, but even the most diehard Red Devils fans couldn’t have envisioned how Fernandes would change the course of Manchester United’s season, which consisted of a largely disappointing first half.
After drifting off the pace in the race for a top-four finish in the second half of 2019, as well as limping through the group stage of the UEFA Europa League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side has transformed into a confident side capable of beating anybody. Manchester United is unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions, an 8-0-3 run that has coincided with Fernandes’ arrival from Portugal.
Fernandes joined from Sporting Lisbon for €80 million in late January after a productive three-and-a-half seasons with the Portuguese giants. The 25-year-old has since helped United to a current nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions which has helped the Red Devils reach to the FA Cup quarterfinals and Europa League Round of 16, all while climbing to within three points of fourth place in the Premier League.
Fernandes became the most recent Portuguese international to make the jump to England, following the likes of Bernardo Silva, Joao Moutinho, and Andre Gomes. He has made an immediate impact for the surging Red Devils, appearing in nine matches across all competitions, scoring three goals and adding four assists.
With Paul Pogba reduced to eight appearances this season due to injury, Fernandes has come in and taken hold of the Frenchman's place in midfield. He recently became just the 11th player to win the Premier League Player of the Month award in their debut month and is eager to build on that early success in Manchester.
"Since I was a kid it was a dream to play for Man Utd, and to be there at Old Trafford is the biggest dream of my career," Fernandes said. "When you come to a new club you always want to score and the first goal is special."
"It doesn’t matter how the goal is scored, but important is the goal’s worth. I’m happy with my start, but from now I need to give more, to be better."
Making the move from his native Portugal to England was a major jump for Fernandes, who previously played with Italian sides Sampdoria, Udinese, and Novara in his career. He joins international teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani as the more recent Portuguese players to suit up for the 20-time Premier League winners.
Much like Ronaldo and Nani, Fernandes has enjoyed a smooth transition from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, a smooth transition his new manager expected.
"I'm not surprised, because I saw what he can do on the pitch and his leadership qualities," Solskjaer said. "If you do your due diligence and speak to people who knew his personality, you hope he’d have this influence but couldn’t be 100 percent sure. Some players take six months.
"But the point was get him in because of the quality. He relishes it, he loves being around the place. He gives everyone a boost and he has an aura."
Solskjaer and the Red Devils will be banking on that aura to help them continue their winning ways when the Premier League returns to action, and Manchester United’s runs in the Europa League and FA Cup resume.