Bruno Fernandes was involved in just about everything as Manchester United earned a narrow win over West Brom.
Fernandes gave away a penalty which was then cancelled out by VAR, before scoring one himself which required a re-take after he had missed the first.
In amidst the penalty drama at both ends, Fernandes put together an eye-catching individual display.
Fernandes’ passing was quite exquisite at times. Not everything he tries comes off, but when it does, it is often a joy to behold.
Included in this was an outstanding cross-field pass to Juan Mata in the first half, and a reverse pass to play through Edinson Cavani in the latter stages.
Fernandes created six chances in total. This was the same as the rest of the United team combined.
West Brom themselves created six chances as a team between all of their players.
Leading the big picture
Fernandes now leads the Premier League in terms of chances created.
The Portugal international is level with Kevin de Bruyne by averaging 3.3 key passes per game.
Fernandes has played a game more too, which makes his figures even more commendable.
The United man may average just 77.5 per cent of his passes completed, but this is just one per cent fewer than De Bruyne. It is part of what goes with the territory of taking risks.
On another day with better movement from the strikers, and better finishing, Fernandes would have ended up with an assist or two.
He has three assists in the league this season, level with Marcus Rashford.
In a performance against West Brom where United’s limitations and lack of ruthlessness in front of goal was shown up, Fernandes stood out as one player who performed his role to near perfection.
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