Bruno Fernandes wrapped up Manchester United’s win over Brighton with a late, well taken goal which summed up the changes he has made to prove a point this season.
Fernandes did one of his trademark dummies, feigning to shoot, before calmly stroking the ball into the net as if it were a penalty.
And this is exactly the point. Fernandes is showing he does not need penalties to make an impact.
Manchester United fans knew this already, but he is showing his quality to his detractors, who have sought to denigrate his past success, calling him ‘Penandes’ and the like, citing a reliance on penalties.
This should have been clear already – Fernandes provided a staggering 18 assists last season on top of his 28 goals.
Fernandes has lost his penalty duty to Cristiano Ronaldo after his September miss against Aston Villa. Ronaldo’s miss against Middlesbrough of course leaves it open over who will take the next one.
But Fernandes is proving he does not need penalties, and that he never ever did.
The Portuguese star has 20 goal contributions in total this season now, with eight goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
Fernandes could still be far better
Fernandes has reason to feel his numbers should be far higher than they are, regardless of his very impressive haul so far this season.
For instance, he hit the post against Wolves from a clear cut chance and did the same against Middlesbrough from a near open goal.
His assist numbers should really be higher too, with a Raphael Varane goal chalked off last week, and two chances created against Brighton wasted by Cristiano Ronaldo when the striker really should have scored.
The underlying numbers back Fernandes. He has more successful through balls (19) than any Premier League player, and in the last three games alone he has created 14 goalscoring chances.
Fernandes should be well on course to surpass 30 goal contributions for the season, and don’t rule out a push towards 40 before the campaign is over.
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