It wasn’t the nicest win, but Manchester United did the job against Norwich on Saturday night.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team had to work hard to win the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Harry Maguire had to bring a late winner deep into extra time.
Bruno Fernandes was one man United fans would have expected much more from. The Portuguese international has been a revelation for the Manchester team since he left Sporting CP in January. In just eleven games of all competitions, he scored four goals and four assists.
Is there too much pressure on Bruno Fernandes?
Yes
No
But against Norwich on Saturday, the playmaker seemed to be trying a little too hard to give United that spark, and there have been countless times he gave the ball away while trying to unlock the door – all in all, he lost possession an amazing 39 times to Sofascore.
And after seeing his performance, United fans went to Twitter to share their reactions.
Bruno was trash today, brother. Fortunately we are done. On to the next one!
– Chief Rocka (@Chief_RockaMUFC), June 27, 2020
Bruno Fernandes’ worst performance in a Man Utd shirt
– Bee (@Bee_mufc), June 27, 2020
He was the worst player in the field today
– TH3 L3G3ND (@the_drterry) June 27, 2020
Bruno Fernandes is still ten times better than Lingard and Pereira. That being said, he had a terrible game. ????????♂️ #MUFC #NORMUN pic.twitter.com/QRDBvlz1dC
– JD ???? (@KingZidunn), June 27, 2020
To be honest, Bruno had a stink #NORMUN #MUFC
– Tshegofatso???? (@Tshegofatsotf) June 27, 2020
However, some United fans jumped to Fernandes’ defense, insisting that being a risk taker and always trying to get things going was part of his game – and to his honor, the Portuguese star delivered five important team-level passes the night.
Bruno Fernandes can be frustrating at times, but his job is to make things happen / create opportunities, so of course he will lose the ball from time to time. I would rather have people on my team who take risks than someone who plays it safe all the time.
– Ryan. ???? (@Vintage_Utd) June 27, 2020
Players who play safe passes lost us big games like Barcelona at home last season. We dominated the property, but we didn’t take any chances. He is a key player. People should stop waffling
– ObiWanBissaka (@Nebuulaaa), June 27, 2020
I swear to our fan base, how can you doubt Bruno Fernandes? He is our number 10 trying to take risks and take risks, of course he will lose the ball. #mufc
– Daniaal (@ Daniaal_7), June 27, 2020
A few fans urged Fernandes to rest, and one supporter in particular demanded that he be dropped on the bench for the Brighton clash.
Bruno needs rest. He’s been great so far and thought today would have been ideal to rest him. Now he played 120 minutes and regardless of his performance, we still need him to start every game. Nobody has the creative attitude they have. #mufc
– Aditya Reds (@aditya_reds), June 27, 2020
Well said … even pulling the strings from the ball.
Would love to see him on the bench against Brighton tbh. He can switch on if necessary, but plays 100% game after game. Needs rest
– Pulkit ???? (@OleTrain) June 27, 2020
Whether it was sheer fatigue or the fact that he felt he had to take all creative responsibility, it’s fair to say that Fernandes was not at his best against the Canaries.
But he never shy away from getting the ball and trying to create opportunities for himself or his teammates, and this kind of mentality will surely please Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
It was a rare day off for a player who was so good for United in the early days of his career.
.
