The Portuguese star’s dip in form has coincided with the Red Devils winning just one of their last three league games.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has refuted the idea that Manchester United have become too reliant on Bruno Fernandes by insisting the midfielder relies on his team-mates just as much as they do on him.
Fernandes took no time at all to settle in at Old Trafford following his arrival from Sporting CP in January 2020. He’s already an integral part of the squad, having managed 28 goals and 18 assists in only 52 appearances.
The 26-year-old has been particularly impressive in the current campaign. His 18 goal contributions, in fact, make up 49% of the club’s 37 goals in the Premier League alone.
And with Fernandes having failed to chip in either a goal or assist in his last four league games, United have won just twice. They even fell to a surprise 2-1 home loss to bottom-placed side Sheffield last time out.
“Bruno has come in and helped the team, no doubt about that,” said Solskjaer as quoted on The Guardian.
“He has come in at a time where we needed his type of player, and Bruno came into a team that makes his attributes and skills come to fruition.
“He’s come to a team that suits him and he suits the team. That goes hand in hand. If the players don’t run, Bruno can’t play his passes; if Bruno can’t play his passes, the players can’t run.
“He’s part of a chain here and I’m sure Bruno would say he also appreciates his team-mates and that they help him through games.”
The Red Devils boss added on Fernandes: “From day one, he’s come in and wanted to affect the environment, the playing environment, the staff. He’s been a great addition.
“He’s such a humble human being, working hard; and I think everyone has seen what he’s done on the pitch. [I’m] very pleased with his first year and long may it continue, because the higher up in the league, the more pressure there will be on us and on him because now the limelight is on him, but I’m sure he’ll handle that pressure fine.”
United will travel to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening to face Arsenal in the Premier League.
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