Two years on form signing for Man united, Bruno Fernandes has lost his No 10 role under Rangnick and the goals have dried up.
Two years ago this month Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United for £63million and made his debut against Wolves at Old Trafford.
Fernandes was an instant hit at United. He bagged a record of 40 goals and 25 assists in his first one-and-a-half seasons. This underlines just how important he became to the club.
However, since claiming a hat-trick on the opening day of this season against Leeds, he has scored only two more for United and made nine assists.
As such, the return of Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have had an impact on Fernandes’ position as talisman, with the latter conceding penalty duties to his Portuguese compatriot after an awful injury-time miss against Aston Villa in September.
Ralf Rangnick’s arrival as interim manager has also done him few favors. The German’s 4-2-2-2 formation has denied Fernandes the No 10 role he prefers.
The 27-year-old has cut a frustrated figure and a booking for dissent at Newcastle, when his body language was criticized by former United defender Gary Neville. He was suspended for Thursday’s 3-1 win over Burnley.
In his absence, United produces their most fluent attacking performance since Rangnick took over. And, the interim coach comments after the match suggest the Portuguese playmaker may have a fight on his hands to get back into the starting XI.
Whereas there are many players competing for two spots in the wide attacking midfield roles, Fernandes is views as a more traditional No.10.
Fortunately, the Portuguese international will be available to face Wolves as United look to continue their charge towards the top four spot.