Bruno Fernandes put on another creative masterclass in Manchester United’s win over Chelsea but there was so much more to his performance at Stamford Bridge.
Once again, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is making headlines after adding another assist to his tally for Matheus Cunha’s winner against Chelsea.
Fernandes is now up to 18 assists in a single season, just three away from breaking the Premier League record.
Owen Hargreaves praised Fernandes’ wing play, and that is how he carved out United’s goal, but Michael Carrick emphasised an underrated part of the Portuguese midfielder’s display.
Bruno Fernandes’ off-the-ball work praised vs Chelsea
Fernandes started the season playing as a central midfielder under Ruben Amorim, but he has been restored to an attacking role under Carrick.
However, Fernandes is still putting in the defensive work of a central midfielder and that was spotted by Carrick at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Carrick said: “He [Fernandes] had a big shift to do in the middle in terms of out of possession and cutting off the middle of the pitch defensively. But he’s willing to do that for the team.”
United’s press was much-improved against Chelsea and it was led by Fernandes, who at times played alongside Benjamin Sesko but also tracked back into a central midfield position.
Senne Lammens praises Bruno Fernandes’ defensive work
Fernandes’ off-the-ball workate was also picked up by his teammate Senne Lammens, who kept his sixth clean sheet of the season.
“It’s no surprise, we see it every day,” Lammens said when asked about Fernandes’ impact.
READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes adds to Luke Shaw dig at Alejandro Garnacho after Man Utd beat Chelsea
“He sets the standard in training and never eases off. In big moments, he always steps up. People see the assists, but his work without the ball is just as important he fights for the team and helps keep the clean sheet.
“It wasn’t just the defenders, the whole team battled, but I can’t praise him enough.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/mXFUNOo