DBasia.news – The quality of Bruno Fernandes is still in doubt by many after he often ‘disappears’ when Manchester United faces big teams. Red Devils manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tried to defend his flagship player.
The big impact of Fernandes’ presence for Manchester United is unquestionable. He immediately gave his maximum contribution to restore the glory of the British giant.
Manchester United immediately transformed into a title contender in Fernandes’ inaugural full season. The Portuguese midfielder has scored a total of 34 goals and 21 assists since arriving in January last year.
But Fernandes stardom faded when Manchester United met a big club. It seemed like he was having trouble getting out of the tight guard of the opposing team so that he seemed invisible on the field.
This is very visible this season. Of the seven matches against Big Six members in the Premier League, Fernandes was only able to score one goal.
As manager, Solskjaer realizes Fernandes’ less impressive appearance against big teams. But he was reluctant to blame the player.
“I know that the opposing team sometimes tries to keep him close and that’s normal in football. They try to stop your best players,” Solskjaer said on the club’s official website.
“Bruno may find his position, give or create space for other people even before touching the ball. You also see other people have created chances for Bruno when they don’t touch the ball.”
As the main creator of Manchester United’s attack, it is only natural that the opposing team provides a tight guard to Fernandes. This is also done by small teams although in the end it is the quality that differentiates.
Big teams have a line of quality players to be able to reduce Fernandes. This is a challenge for Solskjaer to find a solution to this problem.
The role of other players
Fernandes’ bad record against big teams means that Solskjaer has learned a lesson and found a solution. He wants other players to take responsibility as inspiration for the game.
“I think taking responsibility is important for everyone when they play football. We hope everyone becomes a leader and takes that responsibility,” he added.
A number of players currently have the potential to replace Fernandes’ role. Names like Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, to Mason Greenwood deserve to be put forward to make a difference against big teams.
The match against Manchester City in the continued 2020-2021 Premier League at the Etihad Stadium, Sunday (7/3) at 23.30 WIB is the right test to answer this doubt. Fernandes and other Manchester United players will also be motivated to stop their poor record against big teams.