Consistent Fernandes proves crucial to Ten Hag’s revival of Manchester United

Christian Eriksen has provided an important update on his injury recovery, while it has been revealed that Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is being pushed to his limits due to his intense schedule and workload.

Christian Eriksen has given Manchester United supporters a reason to be optimistic about his injury recovery progress, as he steps up his efforts to regain fitness as soon as possible. The Denmark international is expected to return before the end of the season, as confirmed by his former manager Erik ten Hag two weeks ago.

Eriksen has now revealed that he has switched from a protective boot to a football boot, which means that he has resumed training on the grass. This update is crucial for United, who have been missing the stability that Eriksen brings to their midfield, especially since Casemiro is currently serving a four-match ban.

Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes, who has been playing an intense season for both club and country, is set to continue his impressive run in Portugal’s opening Euro 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein on Thursday. Fernandes has played 51 games this season, which is more than any other player in the world.

Additionally, Fernandes has played more minutes in all competitions than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues, namely England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France.

The United midfielder has accumulated 3,841 minutes this season, surpassing his teammate David De Gea, who comes in second with 3,780 minutes, and Real Maadrid’s Vinicius Jr, who follows with 3,600 minutes. Only Dominik Livakovic, the goalkeeper for Croatia and Dinamo Zagreb, has played more minutes than Fernandes in world football.

This is a testament to Fernandes’ remarkable energy and stamina, having featured in 44 games for United and only missing two due to suspension – a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa and a Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Charlton.

If Fernandes had not been suspended for those two games, it is highly probable that he would have been selected by United manager Erik ten Hag for both matches, which would have resulted in him playing in every game for the Red Devils this season. This fact underscores the invaluable contribution that Fernandes has made to United, with his name being the most frequently listed on the team-sheet, and his position as the player that ten Hag relies on the most.

During the second leg of the Europa League last 16 tie against Real Madrid, with United leading 4-1 from the first leg, ten Hag had the choice of leaving Fernandes out of the starting line-up.

However, Fernandes was, like his teammate Casemiro, one booking away from being suspended for the first leg of the quarter-finals. Despite this, ten Hag recognized Fernandes’ importance to the team and chose to play him. This decision further underscores the crucial role that Fernandes plays in United’s success.

“He’s very strong, has very good recovery, he’s a very good athlete and he has so much energy,” said Ten Hag, when asked why he picks Fernandes for every game. He can play in so many roles, tactically he’s brilliant, we can overload areas and we can outplay opponents.

“We create good situations and chances, he’s very important in the counter-press and in transitions. He’s a good example for the team. In recent weeks he’s been in brilliant form and he looks like he’s getting better from game to game.”

Since joining United for £67million from Sporting Lisbon in February 2020, Fernandes has only missed one game due to injury or illness – United’s 3-2 victory over Tottenham in March 2022.

He has been an almost constant presence in the team under managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, interim coaches Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick, and current boss Erik ten Hag. While he may not have scored as many goals as he did in his first full season, when he netted 28 times, his consistent selection in the team is a testament to his importance in Ten Hag’s revitalization of United.