Varun Pai
Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes suspended for the game vs Burnley on Thursday
According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United ace, Bruno Fernandes will be unavailable for selection for the game against Burnley due to a one-match suspension.
The Portuguese ace has been magnificent for the club since his arrival two years ago. However, he has experienced stuttering form this season and was largely anonymous in the draw against Newcastle United on Monday. In fact, he gave away the ball on as many as 26 occasions.
Regardless, he remains a crucial player due to his leadership qualities and ability to create chances. But Ralf Rangnick shall have to cope without the Portuguese international for the clash against the Clarets on Thursday after Fernandes picked up his 5th yellow card of the campaign against the Toon Army.
The league rules dictate that every player that receives five yellow cards in 19 games shall serve a one-match suspension. In addition, every player that receives 10 yellow cards in 32 games shall serve a two-match suspension. These, however, cannot be carried into the FA Cup or EFL Cup.
Time for Donny van de Beek?
Man United will miss their 27-year-old playmaker, but his absence could open a door for somebody else. Donny van de Beek suffered for action under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and there have been no changes under Rangnick yet.
However, with Fernandes unavailable, this could be the perfect moment to bring the Dutchman into the side. The 24-year-old has been lively whenever called upon and can assist the attack and provide cover in the midfield line. In fact, he also acted as the holding midfielder in the 1-1 draw against BSC Young Boys in the German manager’s second game in charge.
Thus, he remains a viable option to replace the Portuguese star on Thursday. Alternatively, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata could also look at this as a great opportunity to impress the supporters at Old Trafford. The pair has played little to no football this season and could become heroes for the club if they help accomplish a victory in mid-week.
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However, given the performance of Edinson Cavani against the Geordies on Monday coupled with Rangnick’s tendency to play the 4-2-2-2 formation, the Uruguayan could be fielded in a strike partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo. Regardless of who replaces Fernandes in the team, the priority would be to secure all three points.
It would be a bonus if a fringe player can come out of this game succeeding in replacing Bruno, and it could be the boost their career needs as the winter window draws near. But they should not eye that position for the long run considering Bruno continues to be one of the first names on our team sheet despite failing to reach spectacular heights recently.
