Manchester United vs Manchester City will be an important test for Bruno Fernandes. The player number 18 will be back as a pedestal when Manchester United host Man City in the Premier League match, at Old Trafford Stadium on Sunday (8/3).
However, Manchester United players should not be spoiled only rely on Fernandes play on the field.
Intelligence and expertise in processing the ball makes the Portuguese midfielder did not take long to be relied on by the Red Devils.
There are at least three individual advantages from Fernandes. The 25-year-old has speed, serves dead ball like a ‘deadly’ free kick, and a very accurate long-range shot.
Fast game Fernandes is able to increase the intensity of Manchester United attacks. The instinct of a sharp goal outside the penalty box also makes it dangerous for the opposing teams’ defense.
Just look at the number of goals that have been scored as the new Red Devils player. The former Sporting Lisbon player has packed three goals and two assists in seven matches in all competitions.
He offered a total of two goals and two assists in the Premier League. While one more goal was booked in the Europa League.
Its existence also makes Man United again favored embracing the Europa League trophy this season.
Fernandes’ versatile ability in midfield makes him the ideal choice for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in concocting tactics in the Manchester United squad.
Fernandes can be played as a playmaker in playing Manchester United attacks. He is also an expert as a midfielder in neutralizing attack after opponent’s attack.
Its penetration from the wing side to the heart of the opponent’s defense also has the potential to tear apart the opponent’s defense.
Fernandes ability to process the ball makes it also reliable as a supplier of bait that spoil the front lines of the Red Devils.
Fernandes has many advantages that make him a special player in the Manchester United squad.
That greatness also made Manchester United unbeaten as long as Fernandes was strengthened in seven consecutive matches in all competitions.
This ability is what makes it far different from Paul Pogba. Pogba who is accustomed to playing ‘beautiful’ less encourages the Red Devils to play more intensive in attacking. He often holds the tempo of the game so that the Manchester United game seems monotonous.
In contrast to Fernandes, he continues to encourage Manchester United to play quickly through a combination of short and long passes.
The characters of these two players are identical as regulators of the rhythm of the game and supplying accurate feeds, making Fernandes and Pogba difficult to play in one team. What happened was that Pogba’s role as a starter sooner or later could be replaced by Fernandes.
Fernandes himself is often played by Solskjaer as an attacking midfielder behind the Manchester United spearhead. His role can be as a hole attacker.
Man City’s opponents seemed to be the real test for Fernandes. The reason, he will help Manchester United face Pep Guardiola’s fanatical direction towards ball possession and fast play.
Not only for Fernandes, the match against Manchester United certainly be a test for his colleagues on the field.
Manchester United squad is forbidden to be spoiled. It’s time for Manchester United players, especially in the middle sector, more role in supporting Fernandes.
Players such as Nemanja Matic, Fred, or Scott McTominay, may not let Fernandes play alone when facing Man City. If that happens, it is quite possible Fernandes will not move.
Man City is indeed a possibility without the ‘brain’ of their game, Kevin de Bruyne. However, there are still names like David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, and Ilkay Gundogan that could be a threat to the Red Devils.
The key is also in Fred and Matic in midfield. The two players must also maintain a balance in the sector against Man City’s possession.
If a solid game can be maintained in midfield. Fernandes can be more focused in maintaining an intensive game Manchester United pressing the defense of The Citizens.
Guardiola is likely to instruct the defender and midfielder to stop Fernandes. Fernandes will not be allowed to have room to create attacks.
The role of Matic was very vital in becoming a ‘bodyguard’ for Fernandes. The Serbian player must be able to guarantee that his teammates are more free from the coveted Man City players.
Thus, its role in supplying mature baits, especially to the wing side, would be easier. If this scenario succeeds, the victory can be in the hands of the Red Devils.
