Are Manchester United Too Dependent on Bruno Fernandes?

Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United, the club’s transfer dealings have been hit-and-miss – mostly miss. From Paul Pogba’s record-breaking return to Harry Maguire’s inflated price tag, from Angel Di Maria’s fleeting stint to Antony’s underwhelming displays, the list of expensive disappointments is long. But amid the chaos, one signing stands out as a rare success: Bruno Fernandes.

Brought in from Sporting CP in January 2020, Fernandes instantly transformed United’s attack, becoming their creative hub and driving force. His influence was immediate, and his consistency in an otherwise inconsistent team has been remarkable. But over the years, and especially under new manager Rúben Amorim, United’s reliance on Fernandes has become glaring. Their attacking output is frighteningly dependent on him, and that dependence is now bordering on unhealthy. 

A quick look at recent performances tells the story. Every one of United’s last six goals have stemmed from a Fernandes set-piece, dating back to Harry Maguire’s FA Cup winner against Leicester City. It’s a pattern that speaks volumes about the team’s lack of other creative outlets. And it’s not just under Amorim – this has been the case ever since Fernandes arrived.  

United’s squad over the past five years has been defined by players who show flashes of brilliance but lack consistency. Marcus Rashford has had electric spells but struggles for sustained form. Jadon Sancho was expected to be a game-changer but has barely featured. Antony has been, at best, frustrating. Even players like Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, despite their quality, have been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. In contrast, Fernandes has been the one constant, delivering season after season. 

Since making his debut, Fernandes has racked up 48 Premier League assists – only Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne have more in that time. That’s more than double the tally of his most creative teammate, Rashford. He’s also one of the league’s top goal contributors, despite playing in a midfield role. His numbers speak for themselves, but the real issue isn’t just how good he is – it’s how much United suffer without him. 

According to FBref, Fernandes ranks in the 99th percentile among midfielders in Europe for total shots, expected assisted goals, and shot-creating actions. He’s also in the 98th percentile for progressive passes and carries. But his impact isn’t limited to the attacking third. Remarkably, Fernandes also ranks among the best attacking midfielders defensively, sitting in the 95th percentile for tackles and interceptions and the 98th for clearances. He’s not just a creator; he’s a workhorse.

(Credits: Bruno Fernandes/X) 

Yet despite his all-encompassing brilliance, there were legitimate questions about where he’d fit in Amorim’s system. The Portuguese coach doesn’t typically use a traditional No. 10, preferring a more fluid midfield setup. Those doubts remain somewhat valid, but instead of struggling to find his place, Fernandes has become the glue holding everything together. And that, in itself, is a problem.  

United’s reliance on Fernandes isn’t just tactical – it’s structural. When he’s unavailable or has an off-day, the team looks directionless. There’s no one else capable of dictating play or consistently providing that killer pass. And while it’s a testament to Fernandes’ quality, it’s also a damning indictment of United’s squad-building. It’s not sustainable. Fernandes turns 31 in September, and while he’s showing no signs of slowing down, United need to prepare for life beyond him. The problem isn’t just finding another playmaker – it’s building a balanced team that doesn’t need one player to carry the entire creative burden. Right now, United’s attack looks lost without Fernandes, and that’s a dangerous position to be in. 

The club’s hierarchy must act fast. They need to recruit midfielders who can share the load, attackers who can create as well as score, and a system that doesn’t collapse when one player is missing. If they don’t, the inevitable decline of Fernandes – whenever that happens – will expose just how poorly United have planned for the future. Bruno Fernandes has been a revelation for Manchester United, but no player should be this indispensable. The club must find a way to ease their reliance on him before it’s too late, or risk a future where his absence leaves them completely rudderless. 

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