I recently shared a conversation about Bruno Fernandes with a colleague, and, as is usually the case, the topic of his suitability for a deeper midfield role inevitably arose.
With the 20-time English champions accelerating their efforts to bolster their options with Carlos Baleba, many of the heavily populated online contingent feel Bruno’s days in the Premier League are limited.
Apparently, at the dwindling age of 30, United’s leader is incapable of modifying his playing style to accommodate a more composed role, despite the former Sporting man possessing one of the most celebrated arsenals in world football.
It is not a feeling shared by my colleague, nor myself, but the debate is a fascinating one.
For many, Fernandes lacks the discipline and composure to hold himself centrally, with his exuberant desire to mauraud forward generally taking centre stage.
While for others, how better to prolong his time in the North West than by replicating the path taken by many of the game’s great attacking midfielders, such as another United legend, Paul Scholes.
Does Bruno Fernandes possess the tools to hold a withdrawn position for United?
The above is a fair question, and one that extends far beyond his ability to kick a ball. While every position requires a specific set of skills, the central midfield function craves a notably intelligent individual.
United fans are all too accustomed to sitting back and watching their team concede endless space and possession through the middle of the field, with various pairings so far failing to command a regular starting berth.
Whether through an ageing Casemiro, a youthful Kobbie Mainoo or a visibly green Manuel Ugarte, regular cohesion is something that Ruben Amorim is yet to enjoy at M16.
Encouragingly, the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have cemented a formidable attacking trio to spearhead United towards Project 150. However, this inevitably pushes Bruno further back and outside of his familiar zone into a midfield two.
Although the mental aspect is a factor we must patiently wait to observe, how does his technical ability compare to the Premier League’s best central playmakers?
| Bruno Fernandes v Premier League CM 2024-25 | Per 90 minutes | Percentile |
| Progressive passes | 9.69 | 99 |
| Passes completed (long) | 6.65 | 99 |
| Through balls | 0.92 | 99 |
| Shot-creating actions (Live ball pass) | 4.06 | 99 |
| Key passes | 2.71 | 98 |
| Switches | 0.66 | 97 |
| Touches | 79.00 | 96 |
| Passes into the final third | 6.38 | 95 |
| Passes received | 55.26 | 94 |
Figures available at fbref
Now, it’s fair to say the above metrics are the definition of a genius, and we have all come to expect this type of output from the Portuguese star. But there lies what I believe to be the fundamental problem.
Despite an endless barrage of Glazer travesty, people are unknowingly disregarding one of the perennial joys that remained at the Theatre of Dreams.
Instead of standing and applauding brilliance, individuals focus on misplaced passes and a lower-than-average completion percentage, while disregarding the necessity for error in endless creation.
Forget narratives and dated agendas; all you have to do is embrace a world-leading playmaker. Without question, this is a player who walks into any other team in the league.
However, he is not limited to passing technique and creation; his work rate and desire to retain the ball are also praiseworthy.
| Bruno Fernandes v Premier League CM 2024-25 | Per 90 minutes | Percentile |
| Carries | 45.98 | 94 |
| Shot-creating actions (Fouls drawn) | 0.21 | 92 |
| Ball recoveries | 6.35 | 87 |
| Carries into the final third | 1.94 | 81 |
| Dribblers challenged | 2.53 | 70 |
| Tackles won | 1.49 | 65 |
| Fouls drawn | 1.19 | 50 |
Figures available at fbref
I find that frustration breeds the strangest of traits in people. Manchester United are not winning, so the narrative focuses on who to sell and which players to replace them with.
When the Saudi Public Investment Fund attempted to steal Fernandes, there was so much focus on the £100 million on offer, and so little consideration towards the hole his departure would leave.
Forget all of the above metrics and his 113 goal contributions in 195 Premier League appearances; focus on the fact that he has missed only six games since 2016 and has tuned his body to last for many more years.
Will a shift in positional requirements demand enhanced attention? Yes, of course. Does that mean a generational footballer is incapable of doing so because he is accustomed to playing higher up the field? I hope you can see how bizarre this debate is.
Naturally, he will require assistance in midfield, just as any other player does. But to argue that Bruno – a workhorse and perfectionist – would not give his all to ensure midfield cohesion is baffling to me.
“He’s so keen to do well, and that’s a really positive thing,” Michael Carrick stated on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
“And then sometimes, you can overdo it, sometimes as well, and it’s such a fine balance. But his attitude, he plays every game, he never misses training, and he’s there all the time.
“Puts himself out there, puts himself forward, and he’s been the main man, really, the talisman for some time. And when there’s moments or there’s something that’s needed, Bruno’s been the one to step up.
“I really enjoyed working with him when I did. He asks questions, he’s demanding, but he wants to do the right thing.”
Carrick is another who never received the plaudits he deserved as a player. Today, he is regarded as one of the finest to grace the hallowed turf. He knows a thing or two about Fernandes and the requirements of orchestrating a Manchester midfield.
Football is better with debate, and I welcome each conversation. Still, I think it’s time to discard predetermined opinions and embrace what you are fortunate enough to have today.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by Craig Thomas/News Images via depositphotos.com
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