Stats Show In His ‘Worst Game’ For United Fernandes Was Still The Best Player On The Pitch
United ensured progression into the semi-finals of the FA Cup by beating Norwich City 2-1 at Carrow Road on Sunday.
Odion Ighalo broke the deadlock in the second-half while Todd Cantwell’s strike forced the game into extra time. However, the Canaries limped their way there with only ten men as Timm Klose picked up a red card late into normal time.
Harry Maguire also had to wait until late to wrestle away the crucial winner which ensured United’s win.
This takes their exceptional unbeaten run to 14 games strong with the side yet to taste defeat with Bruno Fernandes in the starting lineup.
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However, the Portuguese star did not have the best of games as he kept missing chances and couldn’t deliver his erstwhile creative edge. Further still, towards the end of added time he was visibly tired as well, the multi-game starts probably catching up in fatigue.
Fans took notice of this and riddled Twitter with adequate reactions to his performance.
Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Norwich City:
72 final third passes (most)
7 shots (most)
5 chances created (most)
3 successful take-ons (most)
3 tackles wonIf that’s him on a bad day then Man Utd have signed a serious player. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/v0penzPXUx
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 27, 2020
Not going to criticise Bruno Fernandes like what I’m seeing on here. He’s been a revelation and even today on an off day he was still trying to make things happen. Never ever hides away from it.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) June 27, 2020
This Bruno slander I’m seeing. Was it a great performance? No, far from it. But he’s an ambitious player, he tries to make things happen. That comes at a price of things not coming off sometimes. The laziness around him for much of the game today made him look worse.
— ً (@UtdHenry) June 27, 2020
Man Utd fans were crying out for an attacking midfielder who has creativity and was willing to take risks instead of always playing it safe. You get Bruno Fernandes and are now moaning that he takes too many risks? You lot honestly deserve nothing but Lingard and Assdreas
— Pøgba Senior (@TheSaItIsHere) June 27, 2020
The incredible factor even here is that despite not having an altogether impressive game, Fernandes topped the charts in terms of shots, chances created, successful take-ons, and final third passes.
This speaks volumes as even his below-par is incredible and the workrate he puts in is out there for everyone to see.
Further, while the Pogba-Fernandes pairing did get its surprising cameo in this FA Cup tie, the duo may still need more playing time together to fully become the feared midfield unit that supporters are hyping them up to be.