Bruno Fernandes’ Shocking Form Dip: What’s Wrong with Manchester United’s Playmaker?

Bruno Fernandes has long been a crucial figure for Manchester United, hailed as one of the Premier League’s top playmakers. However, the 2024/25 season has brought unexpected challenges for the Portuguese maestro. Despite his relentless work rate, Fernandes is enduring one of the worst patches of his Manchester United career, with his form slipping noticeably. Fans, pundits, and even his teammates are beginning to question what’s behind this dramatic slump.

Bruno Fernandes: From Hero to Frustration

Bruno Fernandes has set the bar high since arriving at Manchester United in 2020. His instant impact transformed the team, and his numbers were outstanding—goals, assists, and match-winning moments made him the heartbeat of United’s attack. Fernandes was known for his ability to create scoring opportunities and deliver that final, decisive pass.

Fast forward to the 2024/25 season, and things have changed drastically. Despite his best efforts, Fernandes has yet to score a Premier League goal this season, despite leading the league in shots. It’s clear that something is amiss, and the usual magic Fernandes brought to the pitch is sorely missing. United’s disappointing results have only magnified the issue, leaving fans and experts wondering—what has gone wrong?

Decline in Creativity: What the Numbers Say

One of the most significant indicators of Fernandes’ dip in form is the sharp decline in his creative output. Once a reliable source of key passes and assists, Fernandes’ ability to create chances for his teammates has diminished. Statistics show that the playmaker has gone from creating nearly three chances per game to struggling to create even one this season.

But why this dramatic decline?

Experts believe that part of the problem lies in the reduced number of passing options Fernandes has on the pitch. Data from tracking systems reveal that Fernandes has fewer passing options available to him than most players in the league. This means that, even with his intelligence and vision, Fernandes simply lacks the opportunities to make the cutting-edge passes he was once known for.

This issue is compounded by the overall struggles of Manchester United’s attack. Without consistent movement from forwards and midfielders, Fernandes is often forced to hold onto the ball longer than necessary, leading to dispossession or failed attempts at difficult passes.

Leadership Under Scrutiny: Is Fernandes Still the Right Captain?

Another layer to Fernandes’ struggles is the pressure of captaincy. When he was appointed Manchester United captain, there were mixed opinions about whether the emotional, fiery Fernandes was the right man for the job. Now, as United continues to falter, that debate has resurfaced, with critics questioning whether Fernandes is fit to lead a team struggling for confidence.

Former Manchester United assistant manager Steve McClaren, however, has come to Fernandes’ defense, praising his leadership qualities. McClaren even compared Fernandes’ passionate leadership to that of Roy Keane, one of United’s legendary captains. Like Keane, Fernandes leads by example through his energy and commitment on the field. But McClaren also acknowledges that this type of leadership can be a double-edged sword. When things are going well, Fernandes’ passion is infectious; when the team is struggling, his emotions can sometimes lead to frustration and impatience.

4 – Manchester United captains to be sent off in a Premier League game at Old Trafford:

Roy Keane v Man City, Apr 2001
Nemanja Vidic v Liverpool, Mar 2014
Wayne Rooney v West Ham, Sep 2014
Bruno Fernandes v Tottenham, Sep 2024

Errant. pic.twitter.com/axVdKvhCbW

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 29, 2024

While the captaincy debate continues, Fernandes’ leadership alone cannot explain the team’s overall dip in form. His leadership style has not changed drastically, but the lack of results has cast a shadow over his role as a captain.

Pressing Without Purpose: Fernandes’ Defensive Efforts

Another area where Fernandes is still giving his all is in his pressing game. Fernandes has always been one of the hardest-working players on the pitch, and this season is no different. He ranks among the top players in the Premier League for pressing statistics, including sprinting pressures and distance covered while pressing.

However, the effectiveness of his pressing has taken a hit. Despite his efforts, Fernandes is struggling to force turnovers and win the ball back for his team. His pressing numbers show that while he is putting in the work, he is not reaping the rewards. This issue reflects the broader struggles of Manchester United, where pressing without coordination and support from teammates has rendered Fernandes’ efforts futile.

What’s the Solution for Fernandes?

There is no doubt that Bruno Fernandes remains an essential figure for Manchester United, but to regain his best form, some changes are needed.

1. Better Movement from Teammates: One of the primary reasons for Fernandes’ creative slump is the lack of movement from his teammates. United’s attackers need to offer more options and make smarter runs, allowing Fernandes to find them with his trademark passes.
2. Tactical Adjustments: Fernandes has been used in a variety of roles this season, from playing centrally to being deployed on the right side of midfield. A more consistent tactical approach that allows him to play in his preferred attacking midfield position could help him rediscover his form.
3. Mental Resilience: Fernandes has always thrived on confidence, and his current dip could be partly attributed to the weight of expectation and poor results. As he himself has admitted, this is one of the hardest periods of his career. Regaining that mental toughness and belief in his own abilities will be crucial.
4. Supporting Cast: It’s not just about Fernandes—Manchester United as a whole needs to improve. The team is going through a difficult spell, and Fernandes is not the only player struggling. Better performances from the entire squad will ease the burden on Fernandes.

   

Bruno Fernandes’ form may have dipped, but his quality and leadership should not be doubted. The Portuguese playmaker has shown time and time again that he has the talent and determination to succeed at the highest level. With the right tactical tweaks and improved performances from his teammates, Fernandes can bounce back from this rough patch and once again be the creative force Manchester United so desperately needs.

As Manchester United fans hold their breath, hoping for an upturn in results, one thing remains certain—Fernandes has the talent to lead this team through adversity, and his redemption may be just around the corner