Bruno Fernandes: A Season of Struggles and Resilience

When Bruno Fernandes curled a free-kick against the crossbar in Manchester United’s goalless draw against Aston Villa, he looked to the skies, cursing his misfortune. This moment encapsulated the struggles of a player who has found himself in the midst of a challenging season, arguably the worst of his career in English football. As the season unfolds, questions arise about his form, leadership, and future role within the team.

A Season of Near Misses

Fernandes has faced a series of near misses this season, from hitting the woodwork against Aston Villa to being on the cusp of scoring against Crystal Palace. His frustrations were compounded by a controversial red card during a match against Porto, where he was sent off in a moment that highlighted the fine margins that have defined his season. At 30 years old, Fernandes has seen more yellow cards than wins this season, and no player in the Premier League has taken more shots without finding the back of the net. As he candidly expressed on social media, this is a tough moment for him: "Personally, for me, one of the hardest."

Leadership Under Scrutiny

With his dip in form comes increased scrutiny regarding his leadership credentials. Critics have questioned whether his emotional disposition makes him ill-suited for the captaincy. However, former United assistant manager Steve McClaren has come to Fernandes’ defense, drawing parallels between him and legendary captain Roy Keane. McClaren argues that Fernandes leads with passion, a trait that can be both beneficial and detrimental. "He leads by passion and sometimes that’s good and sometimes that’s bad," McClaren stated, emphasizing that the media often has its own opinions on such matters.

A Player of Substance

Despite the current struggles, it is essential to remember the context of Fernandes’ career. He did not come through one of the prestigious academies in Portugal; instead, he began as a center-back before proving his worth in Italy with Novara. His journey to the top has been unconventional, characterized by hard work and determination. Andre Geraldes, the former sporting director at Sporting Lisbon, recalls the moment he and coach Jorge Jesus identified Fernandes as a player who could bring creativity and scoring ability to the midfield. "Bruno had not played for a big club with great demands, but he quickly adapted because of his mentality," Geraldes noted.

Fernandes left a significant legacy at Sporting, scoring 33 goals in his second season before making the move to Manchester United. His explosive start at Old Trafford saw him net 40 goals in his first 80 appearances, showcasing his remarkable talent. Since his debut, he has created 453 chances in the Premier League, outpacing even Kevin De Bruyne. However, this season, his creative output has dramatically declined, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.

The Decline in Creativity

This season, Fernandes’ creative numbers have plummeted. Previously averaging around three chances per game, he now struggles to muster even one. The reasons behind this decline are multifaceted. While he has often been criticized for losing possession, this trade-off has been acceptable due to his creativity. Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, has encouraged Fernandes to continue attempting difficult passes, recognizing his unique ability to deliver.

Interestingly, while Fernandes is seeing more of the ball than ever, he has fewer options available to him upon receiving possession. Statistical data reveals that he has had the fewest passing options among the top 100 players in the league, averaging just 1.54 options per possession. This lack of support may be contributing to his struggles, as he feels the weight of responsibility to create opportunities for his team.

The Pressing Dilemma

Fernandes is known for his work rate, ranking among the top players in the Premier League for sprinting pressures and distance covered while pressing. However, the effectiveness of his pressing has come into question. While he is active in pressing, his ability to force turnovers in possession has declined sharply, ranking only 47th in that metric. This reflects a broader issue within the team, highlighting the difference between working hard and working smart.

Support from Former Colleagues

Those who have worked closely with Fernandes, like Geraldes and McClaren, remain supportive amid the criticism. They emphasize that the challenges he faces are not solely his fault. "The internal management of each club should understand its assets and manage them in the best way," Geraldes stated, underscoring the importance of effective sports management.

Both Geraldes and McClaren see Fernandes as a natural leader, a quality that has been evident throughout his career. His leadership spirit is not only recognized by his peers but also cherished by fans who remember his contributions to Sporting Lisbon.

Looking Ahead

As Fernandes navigates this challenging season, there is hope that he can reinvent himself and overcome adversity. Geraldes believes in his potential to bounce back, stating, "He can reinvent himself in adversity." The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but for a player of Fernandes’ caliber, the possibility of resurgence remains.

In conclusion, while Bruno Fernandes is currently facing a difficult chapter in his career, it is essential to recognize his past achievements and the qualities that have made him a standout player. With the right support and a renewed focus, there is every reason to believe that he can turn his season around and continue to be a vital asset for Manchester United.