Saints Marching
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Manchester United vs Southampton: Three Opposition Threats

By Alastair Case

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United congratulates Anthony Martial of Manchester United on scoring their sides third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on July 04, 2020 in Manchester, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Pool via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United congratulates Anthony Martial of Manchester United on scoring their sides third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on July 04, 2020 in Manchester, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Pool via Getty Images) /
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Manchester United’s Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United’s Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Bruno Fernandes

To say that the Portuguese midfielder has been instrumental in United’s change in fortunes would be up there with great understatements in history. Back to back player of the month awards go some way to highlighting his dynamic performances, which have seen Fernandes register 7 goals and 6 assists in just 10 games since his January move from Sporting Lisbon (source: TransferMarkt).

Although Danny Ings will be disappointed not to have won the most recent monthly award himself, there can be little argument that Fernandes has made an instant impact at one of the largest clubs in the world. There have been favourable comparisons to the arrival of ‘King’ Eric Cantona at Old Trafford in 1992, praise indeed given the legend of the mercurial Frenchman.

Whether Fernandes can live up to the comparison remains to be seen but his efforts to date are a good augury for the future. It has been more than just his goal contributions that have attracted widespread praise. The influence he has exerted has driven other teammates to improve their own performances, most notably Paul Pogba.

Fernandes has received plaudits for his attacking attributes and eye for a forward pass but this focus belies his defensive accomplishments. His willingness to track back and provide a helping hand to United’s occasionally fragile defence is welcome. Southampton’s high pressing game will seek to limit his time on the ball and stifle his influence.