'Worked so hard': Alan Shearer left completely blown away by £46m Man United star's work rate vs Arsenal
Today at 02:10 PM
Bruno Fernandes starred in Manchester United’s latest victory against Arsenal in the Third Round of the FA Cup.
Manchester United would struggle without Fernandes, who put in yet another captain’s performance in his side’s win against the Gunners, opening the scoring with a wonderful finish before going on to dispatch his penalty during the shootout as well.
The Portuguese international has often split opinion since heading to Old Trafford for £46.7 million (Sky Sports) in 2020.
But against Arsenal, the 30-year-old rose to the occasion and dragged his team through the mud.
Fernandes was tipped to succeed under Ruben Amorim and slowly but surely, he is starting to do so.
Bruno Fernandes has particularly been delivering in big games under Amorim, shining against Manchester City, Liverpool and now Arsenal as well.
Bruno Fernandes’ work rate hailed as Man United beat Arsenal
Tottenham bid for Fernandes in 2019 but luckily for the Red Devils, they signed the creative midfielder a year later who has become a lynchpin in their side.
Whether it was further up the pitch or defensively, the former Sporting CP talisman put in an absolute shift in as the visitors defeated Mikel Arteta and Co in style.
Alan Shearer was full of praise for Fernandes’ industry after Manchester United secured a win for the ages against Arsenal.
Shearer said via BBC Sport: “Bruno Fernandes has worked so hard, he has had to do a lot of tracking back as well as getting that wonderful goal.”
Manchester United supporters would have been wishing for the FA Cup winner to build on his inspired performance in his side’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
Fernandes shone against Liverpool and against Arsenal, he looked like a man on a mission.
Since his move to Manchester United, the in-form creator’s displays in big games have often been called into question.
But Fernandes is doing what the best players do by doing his talking on the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes stats in Arsenal vs Manchester United FA Cup clash
Fernandes was delighted by Amorim’s appointment and that is being reflected on the pitch.
Under Erik ten Hag, the seasoned midfielder had suffered a dip in form after the Dutchman’s debut season where he impressed.
However, the same can be said about several of his Manchester United teammates.
But Fernandes is a man in form now and his statistics against Arsenal are an indicator of that being the case.
MINUTES PLAYED | 120+ |
GOALS | 1 |
SUCCESFUL DRIBBLES | 4/5 |
PASSES INTO THE FINAL THIRD | 7 |
TACKLES WON | 1/1 (100%) |
RECOVERIES | 6 |
DEFENSIVE ACTIONS | 6 |
As Alan Shearer pointed out, Fernandes worked his socks off, as his exemplified by his six ball recoveries, six defensive actions and one tackle won.
Whether it be Kevin De Bruyne or Martin Odegaard, all of the world’s leading attacking midfielders have shown to be industrious off the ball.
Fernandes has always been relentless out of possession.
This very habit helped Manchester United see the game out to penalties.
If United retain the FA Cup at the end of the season, Fernandes’ heroics will be heralded.