Siddharth Juyal
Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha asserted that the struggle of Bruno Fernandes is due to his teammates’ confidence
Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha asserted that the team’s poor confidence isn’t aiding Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese international thrives in international settings for his country but failed to have a similar impact on United.
United manager Erik ten Hag appointed Fernandes as the senior team captain before the beginning of the current season. The 29-year-old has been a consistent performer for the Red Devils since joining the club in January 2020.
Many football experts have criticized the Portuguese for his on-field antics whenever the team struggled and needed calm leadership. At times, Fernandes’ emotions drive him, and they occasionally overpower him.
Despite the high level of consistency in his United career, Fernandes has struggled to perform well this season. The poor performances coincide with the nightmare season Man United are going through right now.
United have lost nine out of 18 matches in all competitions this season, conceding 30 goals and scoring just 25. Fernandes faced challenges in delivering the expected level of output. The 29-year-old has made 17 appearances this season in all competitions, contributing just four goals and three assists.
Speaking to Paddy Power (h/t Dazn), Saha pointed towards the lack of confidence that has infected everyone at the club. He said:
“If we compare Portugal’s team to Manchester United’s, it’s clear why Bruno Fernandes performs better for country than club. At Manchester United, there are about five or six players who aren’t at the level they should be confidence-wise, and that brings a lot of pressure to the likes of Bruno Fernandes who must deliver each week.”
Fernandes has appeared in all 10 games for his country during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers game. The Portuguese playmaker has scored six goals and seven assists for Portugal as they qualified for the EURO 2024.
Ten Hag has deployed a new rigid 4-2-4 formation in the two games just before the November international break. The formation deployed Fernandes in his most favourable position right behind the lead attacker as a central advanced playmaker.
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United fans hope that the formation will get the best out of Fernandes and many other senior team players who have struggled with form. The Red Devils are facing two must-win games in the Champions League with the fear of an early elimination. Furthermore, United need consistent results to continue challenging for the top-four position in the Premier League.
