Manchester United’s players have played a lot of minutes over the past season, one player more than any other.
Last season alone, Erik ten Hag’s side played 63 games in all competitions, which included a Carabao Cup victory and a run to the FA Cup final, as well as the quarter-final of the Europa League.
It has emerged via new data from FIFpro that Bruno Fernandes featured the most in the squad. The 29-year-old playmaker totted up 6,666 minutes in 72 games for club and country over the course of that timeframe.
This means that Fernandes, who cost an initial £47 million in 2020, has played the most out of any elite footballer around the world over the past year.
Rashford also in the top 10
The report also states that Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford featured in the top 10 for most minutes. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have four players in there.
This report from the world’s player’s union is hardly a surprising one. United, under Ten Hag, have become renowned for not making as many changes as they would have hoped to do, and it was related to the team’s cups runs in three competitions alongside the Premier League.
Fernandes’ form has been mixed this season, and now, more than ever, the team have real options to take him out of the team and give him a much-needed break, and mitigate issues building up via his lack of physical and mental rest.
Who could replace Fernandes
There are plenty of options at Ten Hag’s disposal to rest Fernandes, if he chooses to do so.
Fernandes can’t carry on playing the amount of games that he has for the Red Devils. He featured in 59 games for the Red Devils last season and 37 of the 38 Premier League games.
Hannibal Mejbri, who has majorly impressed this season is emerging as a favourite.Ex-pro Dion Dublin this week even said he prefers Hannibal in the attacking midfielder role to Fernandes.
The Tunisian midfielder has featured heavily already this season and he should be the preferred option in that number 10 role. His energy and output make him the most similar option United have.
Mason Mount could fit in that number 10 role, too as he has done for England and Chelsea, as could Christian Eriksen. The Danish midfielder previously played this position for Tottenham.
Rising talent Amad played centrally for Sunderland on loan last season and when he is back from injury, he could get into the mix.
Unlike the problematic full-back positions, where Manchester United don’t have options, attacking midfield is one where the team have some depth.
If it is decided that Fernandes does need a break, then United are not short of alternatives.
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