Everyone around Manchester United seems set on Facundo Pellistri being the right-wing starter after Jadon Sancho and Antony’s exclusions. But we see another option as ideal… Bruno Fernandes.
Antony won’t be with the squad for the foreseeable future as he sets about clearing his name of the allegations made against him.
Jadon Sancho has also now been excluded with no return in sight, due to the public back and forth he and Erik ten Hag had after the Arsenal defeat.
Along with this, Mason Greenwood is on-loan at Getafe, with it believed that he won’t play for Manchester United again.
Three right-wing options all now out of contention, which has opened the door for someone to make the position their own.
Fans are adamant that this person should be Uruguayan Facundo Pellistri, with Bruno Fernandes the least favourite option. But we disagree…
Why Bruno Fernandes should be an option at right wing for Manchester United
Last season Bruno was a continuous option for Ten Hag out on the right, however this was a move many fans weren’t keen on.
With Bruno on the wing, we lose his definitive influence in the middle which is sorely missed.
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But the stats tell a rather impressive story and make a compelling argument for the Portuguese star to be an option there, in lieu of the absentees.
In the 2022/23 season, Bruno played eight games on the right side, including two in the Europa League, four in the Premier League, and one in each of the domestic cups.
In return for this, he scored three goals and added four assists, including a FA Cup final goal and multiple two contribution games.
His two assists against Leicester in the League and goal and assist over Villa in the cup being particular highlights.
The downsides to Fernandes on the wing
Obviously having a non-natural winger won’t be all positives, which is what Ten Hag needs to weigh up when he is making this decision.
Bruno will offer United very little in this position if the plan is to counter-attack due to his best role in that system being midfield to pick out the runs.
Playing Bruno on the right being successful hinges almost completely on United dominating possession and giving him the ball in those dangerous areas.
Against Brighton, we don’t see that happening, with the Seagulls being among the best in-possession sides in the league.
Therefore we envision this may not be the right game for Bruno to be a winger, however it is hard to argue he wouldn’t have an impact regardless of where he plays.