Man Utd: Fernandes is player of the season claims pundit
For so long, Bruno Fernandes has been near-perfect for Manchester United. However, in recent matches against Southampton and Crystal Palace, the Portugal international hasn’t been himself. And, ahead of the club’s FA Cup showdown with Chelsea on Saturday, that represents a problem.
Manchester United have seen Fernandes flourish ever since his move to the club from Sporting Lisbon back in the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old has helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side turn their campaign around, boosting their chances of finishing in the Premier League top four in the process.
But, in recent matches, Fernandes hasn’t been operating at the peak of his powers.
Such dips in form are inevitable. Not even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi can score in every single match, despite their sensational talents.
But, given United face Chelsea in their FA Cup showdown on Sunday, it’s a worry for the club. Especially when you analyse their recent performances.
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However, in the two matches since the showdown at Villa Park, the Portugal international has appeared to struggle.
In the 2-2 draw with Southampton on Monday he managed to complete just 45 per cent of his total actions. 29 out of 64, to be precise.
Solskjaer shut down talk of his players looking tired after that match. He insisted they had had enough time to rest and prepare and, against Crystal Palace, United were significantly better.
But Fernandes, too, struggled. Firstly he missed a sitter with the game delicately poised at 1-0, a miss that could have cost them dearly.
And he looked off the pace throughout the showdown. His rate of 52 per cent was still considerably down on what he’d managed against the likes of Sheffield United, Norwich, Brighton, Bournemouth and Aston Villa since the restart.
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