Man Utd showed their class in key moments to defeat Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Erik ten Hag has got most of the big decisions right since he arrived at Manchester United, and it looks like he is already on course to get the next one spot on too.
Harry Maguire was never formally removed of the captain’s armband last summer, and even started the first two matches of the season before the drastic change was needed.
United have been a completely different side since that defeat at Brentford. So much emphasis is put on the fact that Casemiro was signed after it, but just as important was the switch to make Bruno Fernandes the captain.
Bruno Fernandes was an unsung hero for United against Leicester (Image: 2023 Manchester United FC)
The Portuguese has embraced the extra responsibility placed on his shoulders, not only leading by example on the pitch, but by selflessly sacrificing himself for the greater good of the team.
It is even more remarkable when you consider that Fernandes is not the archetypal Ten Hag midfielder either.
The United manager has worked hard to implement a controlled style of play, with an emphasis on ball retention and being sensible in possession, two things Fernandes has not always shown.
It was only natural that United would lose some authority in the middle of the park without both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen against Leicester, but it is credit to Fernandes that he helped make it work, even after another messy makeshift midfield showing in the first-half.
Fred was certainly more of a piano carrier than a player on Sunday, struggling with his distribution throughout and struggling to offer any defensive stability alongside the attack-minded Marcel Sabitzer. Wout Weghorst was asked to adopt the free role he had against Barcelona in midweek, often dropping back to muck in with the defensive work, which left United light in attack.
All of this meant that the greatest creative outlet, Fernandes, was repurposed onto the right wing again, sacrificing himself for the greater good of the team.
It is credit to the Portuguese that he doesn’t resent such a role, instead going about his business on the right with the same commitment as he does through the middle, though it must be so frustrating for him to play knowing he could have a greater impact on the team.
In the first-half against Leicester, he was at his effortless best. While there were moments of frustration, as ever with some of his decision-making, Fernandes was at the heart of everything United did well.
It was the 28-year-old who so nonchalantly carved open the Leicester defence with the outside of his boot to set-up Marcus Rashford the opener, and he would have had another assist had Diogo Dalot not poked wide from six-yards after a brilliant ball from his compatriot.
Fernandes’ performance on the right was so impressive that even after the introduction of Jadon Sancho at half-time, it was he who occupied the flank, with Sancho playing just behind Weghorst through the middle.
This gave United a new impetus in the game, and it was crucial in their frantic start to the second half, when they scored twice to end the game and any hopes of a comeback.
It all came together for the third goal as well, as United won the ball back and launched a lethal counter-attack. Sancho raced through the middle so fast he could have got a speeding ticket, playing give-and-goes with both Rashford and Fernandes before firing home from inside the box.
The moment belonged to the rejuvenated Sancho, but Fernandes was once again the unsung hero, with a perfectly-weighted assist that would have stopped the momentum had it been a centimetre off.
It was another day in which he not only led by example, but also did so out-of-position when his team needed him most
Fernandes is the new United captain in all but name, and next weekend he deserves the chance to lift a trophy with the armband as well.
Marcus Rashford has message for Bruno Fernandes after star creates nine chances in one game
Manchester United have a new leader for assists after Bruno Fernandes set up two goals in the 3-0 win over Leicester.
Fernandes now has 10 assists for the season, overtaking Christian Eriksen who was on nine before his injury.
The Portuguese star could easily have ended the game on more assists too. He created a staggering nine goalscoring chances.
This is more chances than any player in the Premier League has created in a single game this season. The only player to match it is… Bruno Fernandes, who hit this number in the home win over Tottenham in October.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Rashford has message for Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes set up a goal for Marcus Rashford and another for Jadon Sancho. His pass for Rashford’s goal in particular was incredible.
Rashford is up to 24 goals for the season, a new personal best, and he couldn’t do it without Fernandes’ help.
© 2022 INSTAGRAM FROM META
Fernandes has been captaining Manchester United for most of the season and he clearly has the respect of his teammates.
In addition to his 10 assists, Fernandes has seven goals too. Only Rashford has more goal contributions for the season.
Both players combined to pressure Jules Kounde into an own goal away at Barcelona in midweek, with Rashford the creator.
Meanwhile it is Fred who has stepped up in successive games to provide assists for Marcus Rashford, taking his tally for the season up to four assists and four goals.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk; unitedinfocus.com
