Bruno Fernandes added to his season goal tally with a late penalty against Granada.

The injury time penalty doubled United’s lead and put the Red Devils in a commanding position ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

Fernandes now has 24 goals for the season, but as his assist tally shows, he’s about more than just scoring.

The Portugal international has 14 assists this season on top of his 24 goals and he did his best to add to his figures against Granada.

Granada CF v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final: Leg One
(Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

United’s top creative player

Fernandes created four goalscoring chances in the win, more than any player on the pitch.

Paul Pogba was closest on United’s team, with two key passes, while Granada’s Angel Montoro managed three.

Fernandes came close to scoring United’s second goal from open play, having a late effort from close range blocked by the goalkeeper.

In total Fernandes had four shots, among his total of 73 touches across 90 minutes.

 

From a defensive point of view Fernandes chipped in too, making three clearances, just one less than Victor Lindelof.

He’s undroppable

Fernandes is United’s top scorer and top creator this season and it is understandable Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not want to drop him.

This has it’s negatives, with Donny van de Beek left feeding on scraps in terms of minutes, while Jesse Lingard had to leave the club in terms of playing time.

Fernandes has just been too consistent for Solskjaer to want to rest regularly. The last time he did, United lost 3-1 to Leicester.

Van de Beek needs game time, and Solskjaer needs to figure out a way to get the Dutchman into the same formation as Fernandes, otherwise he will continue to start games on the bench.

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