Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams has recently waxed lyrical about one of Manchester United’s stars he believes is among the best in the Premier League.
After going six games unbeaten, including five wins and three clean sheets, Manchester United’s form has been the best it’s ever been in recent years under Michael Carrick.
The match against Everton showcased the mental grit and determination of this squad. Even with the performance not being as exhilarating as it has been, the team had every answer for the wave of set-piece attacks Everton sent United’s way.
The club is firmly in the race for Champions League football as they sit three points ahead of fifth and sixth-place Liverpool, but also sit three points behind third-place Aston Villa. On current form, this United side will be aiming to finish as high as possible rather than just getting into the top four.
Adams raves about Fernandes
All season, but more so under Carrick, Bruno Fernandes has been at the epicentre of everything going forward for United. Since returning to his favoured number ten position, he has been dictating games single-handedly, especially against Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, who has been a United target of late, has recently raved about Fernandes as the toughest opponent he has played against.
Speaking Men in Blazers, Adams said: “He’s one of those players that he can again make something out of nothing, but also he just goes and finds the game. So, he completely ruins your tactics of the way that you want to play.
“It’s like, oh, Bruno Fernandes should be here, but 70% of the game, he won’t be there. So, it’s like I’m not really around him. I’m not able to really defend him. So, it becomes difficult, but he’s a ridiculously talented player”
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United need him to stay
No matter what transfers United make in the summer, the best business United can do is be able to extend Fernandes’s stay at Old Trafford.
While securing Champions League football could be crucial to this, the player himself has arguably not just been the best in the Premier League, but one of the best in world football. Had United been in Europe this season, there would be more plaudits headed in his direction.
His ability on the ball is clear to see, but his impact off the pitch and the leadership he offers, just purely his outspoken voice and presence that radiates through the club, will be next to impossible to replace in the short term should he leave.
No player in world football can replace the alien-like creativity of Fernandes if he were to leave, so whether it is Carrick or another manager, they will have to create a system that sources creativity as a unit elsewhere.
With players like Matheus Cunha, Amad, Kobbie Mainoo and Bryan Mbeumo, there are players who, as a creative force, can cause damage, but without Fernandes, it is a much weaker force overall.
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