[THREAD] Assessing the impact Bruno Fernandes has had on Manchester United.
Why has the Portuguese had such an impact? Where have the Red Devils improved? Where do they go from here?
Despite a small sample of games, the early signs give an indication of what we can expect.
Why has the Portuguese had such an impact? Where have the Red Devils improved? Where do they go from here?
Despite a small sample of games, the early signs give an indication of what we can expect.
As the numbers illustrate, stylistically not much has changed. What has dramatically improved is the team’s efficiency. #MUFC now convert more positional attacks into shots, take higher quality shots, and have become markedly better at converting their chances.
This can be attributed back to Bruno. Fernandes is the highest volume shot taking & goal-scoring midfielder in the league, yet still ranks in the top 5 for scoring efficiency. He is also amongst the best chance/shot creators, and excels in linking the midfield to attack.
Bruno is an exceptionally efficient goal-scorer both from open-play and from set-pieces. He has a good conversion rate with shots from outside the area, and excels at making runs into the box to get on the end of chances. This has helped ignite United’s attack.
As can be seen here, Bruno offers #MUFC an additional runner in attack. This stretches the opposition’s defense, particularly in counter attacking situations, as they scramble to contain all 4 of United’s attackers.
Bruno’s impact is not confined to goal-scoring however. The Portuguese has been instrumental at linking United’s midfield & attack, which has resulted in higher quality goal-scoring opportunities for the team.
Martial, in particular, has been one of the biggest benefactors from Bruno’s arrival. Due to more high volume shooters in the team, he is taking less shots. However, more of his shots have been from inside the area, while the quality of his chances has risen considerably.
We see this at work here. Bruno, playing between the lines, plays an audacious flick that sets-up a dangerous 2v2 opportunity for Martial and Rashford. An opportunity the Frenchmen went on to score.
Bruno is also capable of dropping deep and picking out progressive passing options, as he does here. This allows United’s other forwards to stay high up the pitch, and disrupt the opposition’s defensive structure with their intricate movements & combination play.
Fernandes also offers United an additional chance creator. This further helps explain the uptick in the quality of United’s shots since his arrival. The Portuguese can create chances both from open play, and via set-pieces.
We see this here, as he again receives a pass between the lines, Bruno goes on to release Ighalo through on goal with a wonderful pass. Unfortunately however, Ighalo does not convert the chance.
Bruno has had a huge impact off the pitch as well. His leadership, work-rate and personality have galvanized those around him into raising their own standards. His teammates regularly praise his leadership qualities.
Moreover, in their limited time together, Pogba & Bruno have complemented each other well. For Bruno specifically, Pogba has been able to consistently pick him out in the attacking third, and between the opposition’s last two lines.
[Credit: @utdarena]
[Credit: @utdarena]
Bruno’s presence means Pogba can focus less on scoring goals & providing assists. With a defensive midfielder behind him as well, Pogba now has the freedom to influence the game as he sees fit, allowing him to be the all-round midfield force that he is.
[Credit: @utdarena]
[Credit: @utdarena]
This combination has allowed United to play at a faster tempo, build up possession better, and better maintain a sustained attacking threat.
Indeed, although it’s very early, the Bruno/Pogba partnership looks very dangerous.
[Credit: @AndyForrester1 ]
Indeed, although it’s very early, the Bruno/Pogba partnership looks very dangerous.
[Credit: @AndyForrester1 ]
We realize that we are dealing with a small sample of games, which will no doubt inflate/deflate certain metrics, but they give a strong indication that #MUFC finally look like a team on their way to something. While they do still need some work, the early signs are promising.
As always, RTs & Feedback appreciated!
