Bruno Fernandes remains Manchester United’s most valuable player after another impressive campaign on an individual note.
Unfortunately for Manchester United, it has been a turbulent campaign, positioned 14th in the Premier League after 32 matches.
The only way to salvage the season is by winning the Europa League after United drew 2-2 against Lyon in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
Andre Onana took the headlines for a nightmare display in Lyon and was dropped against Newcastle at the weekend, after conceding two howlers, while Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee got on the scoresheet for United.
The Europa League is the only route for United to qualify for the Champions League, which would grant Ineos and Ruben Amorim more funds to spend in the transfer window this summer.
It bodes well that United are the only unbeaten side left in the Europa League, but it’s all to play for when Lyon visit Old Trafford on Thursday night after a close affair in France last week.
Bruno Fernandes record can inspire Man Utd vs Lyon
The stark contrast in United’s domestic and European campaigns is beyond belief.
Neither Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim have been able to show any consistency with the team in the Premier League, whereas the team is unbeaten in the Europa League, which may say more about the standard of Europe’s second-rate competition.
However, United fans have Bruno Fernandes to thank for United’s impressive European campaign after recording eight goal contributions in 10 Europa League matches.
In the round of 16, United beat Real Sociedad 4-1 in the second leg, when Fernandes broke two Europa League records. The Portugal international scored a hat-trick to ensure he has contributed more goals in the competition than any other player.
| Appearances | 54 |
| Goals | 24 |
| Assists | 17 |
Fernandes, in this level of form, can inspire United to victory on a night the team’s season hangs by a thread. He had to play a more disciplined role in Lyon but the Reds know nothing less than a win will do in Thursday night’s crucial clash.
The Portuguese Magnifico will want to ensure he gives United every chance of winning a trophy this season.
Europa League quarter-final first leg results
United fans had their eyes on other ties in the Europa League quarter-finals last week.
Although it’s too early to get excited about future trips across early, United’s travelling supporters are mindful that the Reds could face either Rangers of Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, should they beat Lyon.
In the other semi-finals, Tottenham were held to a draw against Eintracht Frankfurt and the biggest shock of the round came when Bodo/Glimt beat Lazio.
- Bodo/Glimt 2-0 Lazio
- Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
- Lyon 2-2 Manchester United
- Rangers 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
