Manchester United fans finally had the chance to celebrate a convincing victory, and Dimitar Berbatov singled out one player in particular for exceeding all expectations.
The 2-1 win against Chelsea doesn’t tell the whole story of the match, which is a statement that tells the whole story of the season.
Man Utd had the majority of chances once again, could have gone out of sight in the first half itself, only to be pegged back and finish the game in a nervy manner.
However, Dimitar Berbatov was in awe of one player who made a mark against Chelsea and continued the trend of shattering all expectations.
Dimitar Berbatov on Bruno Fernandes
The experiment of Bruno Fernandes as a deeper midfielder continued against Chelsea, and, for once, United won the game and Fernandes scored, so the doubts can be postponed until the next game.
Fernandes’ goal was his 100th for the club across all competitions, coming on his 200th Premier League appearance.
As a natural attacking midfielder, Fernandes has had to make do with orchestrator duties this season in a deeper role, but Dimitar Berbatov, speaking on Premier League Productions broadcast, says he’s been exceeding expectations for a while now.
Berbatov said: “Let’s not forget Bruno Fernandes is not a striker. He’s a midfielder. His primary job is to assist. So many times we see him scoring goals, important ones. Hundred more, let’s hope!”
Berbatov is completely correct, because even as a No. 10, Fernandes has been a pass-first player who just happens to be extremely clinical.
He always tries to get his teammates to score, especially his striker, but in the absence of a prolific one, he has shouldered the responsibility of being a goalscorer as well.
The Fernandes problem remains for Ruben Amorim
If anything, Fernandes’ scoring record puts even more scrutiny on Ruben Amorim’s decision to shift him further away from goal.
It’s clear that he does his best work near the goal, where his propensity to lose the ball in search of a Hollywood pass doesn’t cost the team.
That trait is difficult to accept from a defensive midfielder, and he lacks the positional discipline to hold his position out of possession as well.
Ultimately, this role is hindering both him and the team, because it’s taking away a reliable goal creator from the goal, and putting in a risky passer in a defensive position.
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