Last season’s horror start for Manchester United still spooks supporters to this day.
United conceded 11 goals in three matches and gained just one point from a possible nine to start the season.
Now after a seemingly less than ideal start to this summer, with one pre-season friendly cancelled due to Covid and players returning late due to to the Euros and Copa America, supporters are understandably feeling nervous about the beginning of the upcoming campaign.
Star player Bruno Fernandes has attempted to ally any fears, insisting the team are on track and will be ready for kick-off.
Fernandes told the club website: “The lads are ready. We have been training hard, everyone is training really well and everyone will be ready for the beginning of the season.”
Confidence is positive
Fernandes is telling us what we want to hear. And that’s good, although it is important to remember he has not played a first team friendly yet since returning.
United face Everton on Saturday in the final friendly and it is possible that the game comes as a little of a shock to the system to some players if they suddenly feel outmatched in terms of fitness, dependent on how far along Everton are in their own preparations.
If Fernandes is still saying the same next week about United feeling on track to be ready then we will share his optimism.
Unfortunately United’s two opening games of the season are against sides strong on fitness and pressing, Leeds and Southampton. Both teams will put United to the test, as will third opponents Wolves. If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s players can come out of that run with nine points then the season ahead will look very positive indeed.
Needed break
Fernandes played 72 games for club and country last season and needed the breather.
Despite scoring 28 goals and providing 18 assists for United, he appeared to trail off towards the end of the campaign.
Fernandes said: “It was nice, finally a long break after the season. It was a long time, I think five years maybe since my last full break.
“Honestly it was good to be with family and friends and enjoy time with my kids, because when we are playing, the time we spend at home is less than what we spend at the training ground.”
After the disappointing way last season ended, Fernandes needed that time off to recharge mentally as well as physically. Now he is ready for a new challenge, aided by the support of two new signings Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho.
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