Bruno Fernandes’ performance since signing his three-year contract extension during the summer has been disappointing for Manchester United fans.
United’s poor start to the season has raised questions about Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford, particularly during the international break.
Fernandes has gone 11 games without scoring, and he has been sent off twice in his last three matches, although the first red card against Tottenham was later overturned…Continue Reading
Louis Saha is now concerned that the midfield duo of Christian Eriksen and Kobbie Mainoo might be creating difficulties for Fernandes, the United captain.
Nineteen-year-old Mainoo has been a consistent presence in midfield, but Ten Hag has frequently rotated his midfield partner.
Casemiro started the first three Premier League games but has been benched since then.
Manuel Ugarte, a £50 million signing from Paris Saint-Germain, struggled in his league debut against Tottenham and was also dropped for the goalless draw against Villa.
Eriksen has started three of United’s last four league matches, but Saha worries that Eriksen and Mainoo “lack the stamina” to fully support Fernandes and believes “their positioning is off.”
‘It could be a bit of bad luck that Bruno Fernandes hasn’t scored yet, he’s hit the bar, and these things happen,’ Saha told Paddy Power.
‘He doesn’t seem to be as confident, but also Manchester United’s tactics are a part of it. He hasn’t been helped and been given many passes by the wingers.
‘His talent does the talking – but when the talent doesn’t talk, you’ll find him struggling. His work rate has been the same, but the team aren’t linking up as well.
‘Some of those tactical choices in midfield – United have good players but they’re missing the legs.
‘Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen are good on the ball, but sometimes they play too deep and not close enough to the strikers.
‘They’re too far away and their positioning is not right – it’s a struggle to watch.’
