Despite a tough spell, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag appears set to keep faith in captain Bruno Fernandes ahead of a critical Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur. This choice reflects the complexities of United’s current situation, as they struggle to find their footing in a challenging season.
United’s campaign has been marked by frustration, with the team sitting outside the top ten in the Premier League and facing significant attacking issues. A recent 1-1 draw against FC Twente highlighted their struggles, extending their winless streak in the Europa League. With only three wins from eight matches across all competitions, the team’s inability to perform consistently has become glaringly apparent. New signing Joshua Zirkzee has shown potential, but the absence of Rasmus Hojlund due to injury has further exposed United’s attacking weaknesses.
The most pressing concern has been Fernandes’ alarming dip in form. Once a key playmaker, he has failed to score this season despite leading the league in shot attempts. His passing has lacked precision, and questionable decision-making has drawn criticism, particularly a misguided long-range shot in the dying moments of a recent match. This loss of composure has frustrated fans, highlighting his struggle to maintain control during critical moments.
Despite these issues, Ten Hag seems reluctant to drop Fernandes from the lineup, believing in his capacity to regain form and lead the team. The manager likely sees Fernandes’ presence as vital, especially in a significant match like this.
As the pressure mounts, the Tottenham clash could prove pivotal for United. A positive result might boost confidence, while another disappointing performance could deepen the crisis at Old Trafford. All eyes will be on Fernandes to see if he can deliver a performance that underscores his quality and justifies Ten Hag’s trust in him.
