Bruno Fernandes is stopping “brilliant story” from Manchester United star, but it’s worth it

Bruno Fernandes’ role at Manchester United was crucial from the very first day he arrived, but his responsibilities have only expanded since.

After wearing the armband for much of the 2022/23 season due to Harry Maguire‘s demotion from the first XI, Bruno Fernandes was officially awarded the captaincy of Manchester United by Erik ten Hag last summer.

Fernandes then went on to have a good campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists during a turbulent season at Old Trafford.

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His most significant goal contribution was certainly his final one, where he produced a magical assist for Kobbie Mainoo‘s FA Cup final-winning goal against Manchester City.

Fernandes has subsequently gone on to start for Portugal during their 2024 European Championships campaign, where he netted against Turkey in a 3-0 win – but it is another United midfielder who is writing a “fantastic” story.

Christian Eriksen’s redemption since his cardiac arrest in 2021 has been fantastic to see. After many thought he would not be able to play again, he has since shone for both Brentford and Manchester United and is leading Denmark’s charge during the 2024 European Championships

“The story he’s writing is fantastic,” former United defender Mikael Silvestre told bettingexpert. “I think it has been around a 1000 days since his cardiac arrest, and to have him here, score and captain the team is fantastic.”

However, Fernandes’ importance for United has meant that Eriksen has been unable to play consistently at Old Trafford in the last few months, and Silvestre has explained that, unless the club buy a Kante-type player, it will not be possible.

“At Denmark, there’s no question about him being a starter. At Man United, in the same role, you have Bruno Fernandes, and it’s hard to see Eriksen and Bruno playing together unless you have Kante behind them.”

“They’re not the best at defending, and it’s not what we expect from them. It’s just a matter of balance. United haven’t been dominant enough to have both of them playing together. That’s the main issue.

“Otherwise, I’m sure they can play together as they are very clever, but you need to have balance between defence and offence, and with them two, it’s shifting towards offence, and United haven’t been controlling enough to have them this season, and I expect the same for next season.”

Ultimately, Eriksen paying the price to play Fernandes every week is worth it. He is United’s most important player and will look to continue his hunt for silverware at Old Trafford in the coming seasons.

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