The Bruno Fernandes effect: How the Portuguese Magnifico changed the destiny of Manchester United?

There have been two best signings in the last decade for Manchester United. One is the talismanic shot-stopper, David de Gea and the other one, yes, you have guessed it right. It’s none other than the Portuguese Magnifico, Bruno Fernandes. In the piece, we will read more about the Bruno Fernandes effect that has made Manchester United once again the hated club in England.

After a dismal start to the 2019/20 campaign, Manchester United signed the versatile and creative playmaker, Bruno Fernandes from Sporting in the January transfer window. He was not the first signing that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made at Old Trafford. After splashing the cash on Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan Bissaka and Daniel James in the summer of 2019, Red Devils signed Bruno Fernandes for a fee of 63 million euros in January 2020. Since then, the club has not turned back. It is almost safe to say that the Portuguese talisman has carried the club on his shoulders.

Ever since the signing of Bruno, there have been significant changes at Old Trafford. The player has led the team by example on and off the pitch even though he is not the skipper. Let us read more about “The Bruno Fernandes Effect” which has helped United to challenge again for the titles.

The Bruno Fernandes Effect: Signings and Contract Extensions

No disrespect to the other players who have signed for the club ever since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United had David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho as managers for a year or more than that at Old Trafford. According to their style of play, the managers have signed few players who wore the prestigious Manchester United jersey.

To remain on the top and challenge for the titles, Manchester United have splashed huge cash on transfers. David Moyes has spent 77.3 million euros on two players whereas Louis van Gaal signed 13 players for a combined fee of 351.35 million euros. Amongst Louis van Gaal signings, only Sergio Romero was a free transfer. On average, Louis van Gaal splashed 29.27 million per player.

The Special One a.k.a Jose Mourinho got the club on the right track by winning the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League but fell out with the players. He spent a combined fee of 466.1 million euros on 11 players amongst which Zlatan was a free transfer. In other words, Jose bought a player for an average fee of 46.1 million euros.

On the other hand, Ole has been very choosy with his signings. He has removed the deadwood and redundant players at the club and has given a new outlook to the attack, defense and midfield. Ole has spent 458.3 million on 15 players amongst which two are free transfers. He has spent 35.25 million on average and many of them are the starters at the club.

Since the signing of Bruno, Manchester United have signed up a player in every department for a combined sum of 223.5 million which consists of players with experience, passion and hunger to play for the badge. It is also understood that he played a big role in bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford in the summer.

The Bruno Fernandes Effect: Goals and Assists

If you ask a Manchester United fan what they missed ever since Sir Alex’s departure, he would say that the flamboyance on the pitch and the attacking football. Under David Moyes, Manchester United scored 64 goals in a single campaign whereas, under LVG, they scored 55.5 goals per season. Under Special One’s tenure, Red Devils scored 61 goals per campaign. This was not due to the lack of attacking players, this was due to the style of play.

Under OGS, Manchester United have scored 69.5 goals per season in the English top-flight. In the last campaign, Manchester United scored 73 goals in the Premier League out of which Bruno Fernandes had a lion’s share. He accounted for 18 goals which is close to 25% of the goals scored by the club. Also, he had assisted 12 times.

After the game against the Newcastle United game, there was a shocking statistic. Ever since his arrival, Bruno Fernandes has been involved in 49 goals, scored the second-most goals in the English top-flight as well as has “Most Assists” to his name.

Despite these, there is one thing that is still haunting him. The semifinal and final losses. It remains interesting to see if the Portuguese midfielder can combine with the team to bring back the coveted the Premier League title home in the 2021/22 season.

Also Read: UEFA Champions League: Malmo vs Juventus Live Stream, Preview and Prediction

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