It seems appropriate to talk about Bruno Fernandes before tonight’s game. The Portuguese midfielder turns 28 today in what is his fourth season at Manchester United.
Often erratic but consistently convincing, Fernandes plays his game in the gray area between waste and ingenuity.
Yes – some fans are frustrated by his emotional and sometimes pointless playstyle. A perfect example of this would be against Leicester City. Under the baton in the second half and holding on to a narrow 1-0 scoreline, Fernandes decided to try throwing Danny Ward from 50 yards instead of being sensible; keep the ball; manage the game; or build an attack.
But its qualities and results are undeniable.
Known for his immediate impact upon signing for United in January 2019 after Ole Gunnar Solskjær personally sought out the midfielder in Lisbon, Fernandes’ stats were unmatched.
15 direct goal involvements in 14 Premier League games is certainly impressive, but so was his impact on other players. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were two of the best attackers in the League upon their arrival.
This ability to not only influence games with crucial goals and assists, but also influence teammates to an incredibly fruitful degree caused many to compare Fernandes’ arrival to that of Eric Cantona.
In his next season at United, Fernandes scored 18 league goals, coincidentally the same number as Cantona scored in his second season at Old Trafford.
His ability to disrupt and influence games from an attacking midfield/second striker position also fits Cantona’s profile.
Last season, however, showed the Portuguese’s fallibilities.
Instead of inspiring his team during a difficult period and urging positive performances, Fernandes often acted petulant and overly reactive.
As many called for him to be given the captain’s armband and replace Harry Maguire as designated leader, Fernandes reacted by showing reasons why he shouldn’t.
Increasingly complaining to referees, Fernandes’ form dipped to coincide with the team’s disastrous overall performances under Ralf Rangnick. United’s “magnificent” was virtually incapable of grabbing games by the back of the neck and upsetting declining results (Cantona-style, you might say).
And still, he managed to contribute 14 assists in all competitions. It is the high expectations and general performances that have damaged his reputation.
What is interesting, however, is Cantona’s lack of field presence in his third season following the infamous kung-fu kick of a fan (who was yelling hateful and nasty insults about the Frenchman’s family). United failed to lead Arsenal to the title at the end of that season.
After his return from suspension, Cantona guided United to the 1995/96 Premier League title, at the same age Fernandes is today.
Of course, that doesn’t suggest that United will win the title this year. It is simply an example of a former maverick’s ability to rejuvenate himself and his team and return to world-class form and leadership. Indeed, at 28, Cantona had already led United to two league titles.
With Erik ten Hag revealing that he has already been consulting Sir Alex Ferguson, it may be in the Dutchman’s interest to ask a fellow disciplinary manager for advice on how to deal with an unpredictable but potentially pivotal character and talisman.
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