There have always been players who have come to a club and have completely transformed their luck. In recent times, despite the apparent lack of trophies, Bruno Fernandes has proven to be that player.
By the time he arrived at Old Trafford, the Red Devils, then under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, were struggling for consistency and creative force in midfield.
Paul Pogba was supposed to be that player, but he had failed in that department and the 20-time English champions splashed out to bring the 28-year-old back in January.
Fernandes, a United hero
And it instantly lifted the spirits at Manchester’s red half and his initial goal-to-assist ratio was insane and that didn’t let up even in his second season, which saw United come very close to winning the Europa League.
In 22 games in his first season and 58 in his second, the Portuguese midfielder scored a superlative 40 goals and 25 assists, numbers a striker would be proud of.
Last season, after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, his scoring contribution did drop but he still registered 10 goals and 14 assists in 46 games.
Two assists for Ghana and two goals for Uruguay.
Bruno Fernandes is having a tournament so far ???? pic.twitter.com/EQ8EiJCNNF
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 28, 2022
With the arrival of Erik ten Hag, the Portuguese international has been given the added responsibility of captaining most match days and despite just three goals and as many assists in 20 games, Fernandes has had flashes of regaining his former form.
But more than that, his contribution to the team in both areas of the pitch and his never-give-up attitude have made him a fan favorite and a highly respected figure in the locker room.
And on the rare occasions that the former Sporting Lisbon star has not started a game, United have ended up losing and that underscores his importance in Ten Hag’s system.
Real Madrid interested in Bruno
Fernandes also lit up the World Cup stage with two goals and two assists in the first two games, securing Portugal’s advance to the round of 16.
His form has not gone unnoticed as Portuguese publication Record has mentioned the huge interest he is attracting from La Liga giants Real Madrid.
The report mentions how Los Blancos have maintained an interest in the United superstar since his days at Sporting Lisbon and that they could “be back soon” for him.
At the moment, Fernandes feels “satisfied and complete” in Manchester but “does not close the door to take a step forward” in his career, although at the moment he is focused on other objectives.
The attacking midfielder’s contract with United will run until 2026 and Transfermarkt currently values him at €75m. But considering his importance to the Dutch coach’s plans, it is unlikely that the player will be sold for such a low price.
