Despite a challenging spell of poor form, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag seems poised to keep faith in his captain, Bruno Fernandes, ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. This decision, while surprising to some, reflects the complexity of United’s current predicament as they struggle to regain their footing in a turbulent season.
Manchester United’s season has been marked by frustration and underachievement, with the team languishing outside the top ten in the Premier League. Their attacking woes have been particularly glaring, as they’ve consistently failed to find the back of the net, resulting in a disappointing start to their European campaign. The recent 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford epitomized their struggles, as the Red Devils were unable to capitalize on their home advantage, extending their winless streak in the Europa League.
Throughout the season, United have only managed to secure victories in three out of their eight matches across all competitions. This dismal record has highlighted the team’s inability to assert themselves, both domestically and in Europe. New signing Joshua Zirkzee has shown glimpses of his potential, particularly with his ability to link up play in the final third. However, the former Bologna forward has yet to demonstrate the clinical finishing needed to make a decisive impact in the box. The absence of Rasmus Hojlund, who is sidelined with an injury, has forced Ten Hag to rely heavily on Zirkzee, further exposing United’s frailties in attack.
Amidst these challenges, perhaps the most concerning issue for the 20-time English league champions has been the alarming dip in form of their talismanic captain, Bruno Fernandes. Known for his creativity and goal-scoring prowess, Fernandes has been a shadow of his former self this season. Despite leading the league in shot attempts, the Portuguese midfielder has yet to open his account for the campaign, a stark contrast to his usual prolific standards.
Fernandes’ slump isn’t limited to his goal-scoring drought. His overall play has been riddled with inconsistencies, particularly in his passing, which has often lacked the precision and sharpness that made him one of the most feared playmakers in the league. His decision-making, once a hallmark of his game, has also come under scrutiny. During the recent Europa League fixture at Old Trafford, Fernandes made a perplexing choice to attempt a speculative shot from 40 yards out in the dying moments of added time, rather than seeking out a teammate in a better position. This decision drew the ire of the home fans, who groaned in unison at what they perceived as a moment of desperation rather than calculated risk.
Moreover, Fernandes’ tendency to lose possession has become a recurring theme in his play, further fueling the frustrations of United supporters. His lack of composure in key moments has contributed to the team’s inability to maintain control in matches, often leaving them vulnerable to counter-attacks. This uncharacteristic loss of form has raised concerns not only among the fans but also within the club, as they look to their captain for inspiration during this challenging period.
Despite these mounting issues, Erik ten Hag appears reluctant to drop Fernandes from the starting lineup for the upcoming encounter with Tottenham. The Dutchman’s decision likely stems from a belief in Fernandes’ ability to rediscover his form and lead by example, particularly in a fixture as significant as this. Ten Hag may also recognize that, even in a slump, Fernandes’ influence on the pitch—whether through his leadership or his capacity to create moments of brilliance—remains vital to United’s fortunes.
As the pressure mounts on both Fernandes and Ten Hag, the Tottenham game looms as a pivotal moment in Manchester United’s season. A positive result could serve as a turning point, reigniting the team’s confidence and setting the stage for a resurgence. However, another lackluster performance could deepen the sense of crisis at Old Trafford, intensifying the scrutiny on Ten Hag’s tactics and Fernandes’ role within the team.
In the coming days, much will depend on whether Fernandes can rise to the occasion, shrug off the doubts surrounding him, and deliver a performance that reminds everyone of his undeniable quality. For now, though, Erik ten Hag’s decision to stand by his captain will be closely watched, as United fans hope that loyalty will be rewarded with a much-needed
return to form.