Manchester United signed Bruno Fernandes on January 30th. They have looked like a completely different team since then. Before joining Manchester United in the winter transfer the Red Devils suffered their third defeat in four games. They lost 2-0 to Burnley at the Old Trafford. They were only four points ahead of 14th placed Newcastle United in the table. After the signing of Bruno Fernandes, they have gone on to secure a place for UEFA Champions League next season. How has Bruno Fernandes changed Manchester United? How can the signing of one player impact the whole squad?
The Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side started off the Premier League campaign with an impressive performance against Chelsea.F.C. They beat Chelsea in the opening matchday of the Premier League 2019/20. But since then they have had not put a decent performance. Struggling to score regular goals and dropping points on regular occasions. But since the signing of Bruno Fernandes, the Red Devils are on a 14 games unbeaten streak. Manchester United have lacked a playmaker in recent years. They have gone on to sign some potential wingers and midfielders in recent years but none of them were able to impact the team. They have signed some big names like Juan Mata, Angel di Maria, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Paul Pogba Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Sanchez. But none of them were able to improve the Manchester United side.
Bruno Fernandes’s inventiveness and high-risk approach made Manchester United a far more difficult side to defend against. Although he only has a pass accuracy of 76%, his vision and passing range is very impressive. But when he gets the ball right it usually is converted into a big chance. He leads the United’s squad for 2.3 chances created per 90 minutes. Out of which 1.6 are from open play. Manchester United are scoring 2.3 goals per game since his signing. Which higher than Liverpool’s rate in the whole season. His Number 10 role has brought balance in Manchester United’s attack.
Since Bruno Fernandes’s joining, the pressure is lifted off from Paul Pogba’s shoulders. He was often too tasked to control the midfield and also create chances. Now that Bruno is playing a Number 10 role in front of him, Paul Pogba now has a more free role. No wonder Bruno Fernandes has had an immense impact on Manchester United. But it is surprising how quickly he has had the impact. He became the first player in Premier League history to have 13 goal involvements in his first 10 appearances for the club.
Not only Bruno Fernandes has had an impact on the team statistically but also mentally. He has also gone on to win the February and June Premier League Player of the Month award. Bruno Fernandes is the first Manchester United player since Cristiano Ronaldo to win back to back Premier League Player of the Month awards. He has also picked up June’s Goal of the Month award for scoring a volley against Brighton. Since his joining he has been scoring freekicks, penalties, creating chances, assisting. He pretty much has changed the atmosphere in Manchester United’s squad.
Manchester United before and after Bruno’s signing
| Before Bruno Fernandes | After Bruno Fernandes | |
| Played | 24 | 14 |
| Wins | 9 | 9 |
| Losses | 8 | 0 |
| Draws | 7 | 5 |
| Goals scored | 36 | 30 |
| Goals Against | 29 | 7 |
| Goal Difference | 7 | 23 |
| Goals per match | 1.5 | 2.14 |
| Points | 34 | 32 |
| Points per Game | 1.41 | 2.28 |
Bruno Fernandes has had an immense impact on Manchester United since his signing. But can he continue his form next season and help Manchester United compete for the Premier League? Now with the singings of star players like Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech Chelsea have improved their squad strength. They will be up for challenging for the Premier League along with Liverpool and Manchester City. With the improved squad depth of other teams, can we expect a close title race next season? Or will the Liverpool dominance continue?
