Bruno Fernandes’ profound impact on Manchester United cannot be determined using only stats.
The indispensable Portuguese playmaker changed the fortunes under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after his arrival from Sporting Lisbon.
Fernandes demands nothing but the best from himself and his teammates and is one of few leaders in Solskjaer’s squad.
His signing lifted the mood around Old Trafford in January, driving Solskjaer’s men to an improbable third place Premier League finish.
And while it is is difficult to quantify such influence with statistics, Fernandes’ creative output emphasises United’s concerning over reliance on him.
According to Statman Dave, Fernandes has created more chances in the Premier League than any other player this season.
Fernandes has created 29 chances from open play in the league this term, more than in-form Aston Captain Jack Grealish and Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne, the world class yardstick he is often compared to.
Fernandes was uncharacteristically impotent in the dire Manchester derby, proving United lack attacking threat while the Portuguese star isn’t firing.
Despite not shining on Sunday, Fernandes’ consistency under Solskjaer has been quite remarkable and the November Premier League player of the month award was his latest personal accolade after four goals in four games.
Solskjaer will be hoping Fernandes can continue creating good openings for his forwards, but United also need to evolve into a playing style that isn’t over reliant on the 26-year-old’s output.
Most chances created in the Premier League this season:
🥇 Bruno Fernandes [37]
🥈 Kevin De Bruyne [31]
🥉 Jack Grealish [29]Most chances created from open play in the Premier League this season:
🥇 Bruno Fernandes [29]
🥈 Jack Grealish [25]
🥉 Kevin De Bruyne [24] pic.twitter.com/4w8LDinwA1— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 14, 2020
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