Bruno's largest check: Two years on from signing for Manchester United Fernandes has misplaced his No 10 function underneath Ralf Rangnick and the objectives have dried up... however can the £63m man rediscover his contact?
- January 2022 marks two years since Manchester United signed Bruno Fernandes
- Fernandes was an immediate hit and scored 40 objectives in his first season and a half
- In the identical interval he registered 25 assists and have become the primary talisman
- Now Fernandes is struggling underneath Ralf Rangnick and the objectives have dried up
Two years in the past this month Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United for £63million earlier than making his debut in opposition to Wolves at Outdated Trafford.
The Portugal playmaker approaches the identical fixture on Monday going through his most difficult interval in English soccer.
Fernandes was an immediate hit at United, and a file of 40 objectives and 25 assists in his first one-and-a-half seasons underlines simply how necessary he turned to the membership.
However since claiming a hat-trick on the opening day of this season in opposition to Leeds, he has scored solely two extra for United - though 9 assists continues to be a wholesome contribution.
The return of Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have had an affect on Fernandes' place as talisman, with the latter conceding penalty duties to his Portuguese compatriot after an terrible injury-time miss in opposition to Aston Villa in September.
Ralf Rangnick's arrival as interim supervisor has additionally finished him few favours, with the German's 4-2-2-2 formation denying Fernandes the No 10 function he prefers.
The 27-year-old has minimize a annoyed determine and a reserving for dissent at Newcastle, when his physique language was criticised by former United defender Gary Neville, meant he was suspended for Thursday's 3-1 win over Burnley.
Rangnick described it as United's finest attacking efficiency underneath him and Fernandes' fast return will not be a certainty.
'We will see,' stated Rangnick. 'We have Bruno back and quite a few options. Up front we have enough other alternatives.'
United additionally hope Victor Lindelof shall be match after a bout of Covid, leaving Eric Bailly free to affix Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations.
