Bruno Fernandes had his best performance of the season so far in Manchester United’s victory over Tottenham.
Fernandes scored once, had another disallowed, and created nine chances in a game which saw United fans vote him as man of the match.
Most striking was the fact Fernandes’ best game of the season came without Cristiano Ronaldo in the team.
Fernandes is better without Ronaldo
Ronaldo and Fernandes have struggled to link up effectively for Manchester United. Their partnership just hasn’t clicked.
Fernandes’ last Premier League assist for Ronaldo came on October 30, 2021 in the 3-0 win away at Tottenham.
It is remarkably disappointing that the two Portugal teammates have not combined since – despite being given numerous opportunities.
This was a problem identified immediately by caretaker boss Michael Carrick in his opening games in charge at the end of November last year.
Carrick determined that United were a better team when only one of Fernandes and Ronaldo played. He immediately left Fernandes on the bench against Villarreal, and then dropped Ronaldo for the game against Chelsea.
While he played both in the subsequent win over Arsenal, it was striking that Carrick selected Ronaldo and Fernandes together in just one of the three matches he could have done.
Beforehand, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had persisted playing both players together, and Ralf Rangnick did the same.
Erik ten Hag appears to be coming to the same conclusions, that is is one or the other. United’s results show it.
Manchester United’s three statement victories this season have come in home wins against Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham. Ronaldo was on the bench for all three.
United look better when only one of Fernandes and Ronaldo plays, and last night shows it is the new number 8 who adds more to the side.
The Red Devils controlled the game from start to finish, with Fernandes having one of his best Manchester United performances since he came to the club.
Even before his pre-final whistle strop down the tunnel, there was no need to recall Ronaldo to the side this weekend.
Bruno Fernandes is a must start. Ronaldo is nowhere near, and his United career is coming to an end.
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