Manchester United 'Worried' About Bruno Fernandes' Mental & Physical State
By Tom Gott
Manchester United are concerned about the physical and mental impact being seen as the team's focal point is having on midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
The Portugal international moved to Old Trafford in January and wasted little time in setting the Premier League alight. He managed eight goals and seven assists in his first 14 games, firing the Red Devils from seventh up to third in the league table.
He has begun this current campaign in similar form, sitting on two goals and an assist from three appearances, and according to O Jogo, United are actually a little bit concerned by that. Club officials fear they are too relient on Fernandes and they know they need to 'manage' his role to ensure he does not burn out.
The belief is that Fernandes, who is also one of the key figures in the Portugal national team, has too much going on around him at the minute and needs some extra support both on and off the field, which factored in to United's decision to pursue some extra signings on deadline day.
“My football dream was United.
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) October 1, 2020
For me, there was never any ‘plan B’.”
After signing with @ManUtd this winter, that dream became a reality for @B_Fernandes8.https://t.co/zm2YjzMwrP
Edinson Cavavi and Alex Telles are named as two players who United hope will take some weight off Fernandes' shoulders, while Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri may also play a part if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deems him ready for minutes, but the obvious man to help out in this situation is Donny van de Beek.
The Dutchman joined United midway through the transfer window and is yet to start a Premier League game this season, instead seeing just 45 minutes over three separate appearances, but his role is expected to increase as Fernandes is given the chance to rest and recover.
Van de Beek did start both United's Carabao Cup games, playing in the same role as Fernandes behind the central striker, and he managed to bag an assist in the recent 3-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
The report also claims that United are concerned by the rumours surrounding the future of manager Solskjaer, who has faced several calls to leave Old Trafford in the aftermath of the 6-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
His position is said to be 'fragile', which isn't helping Fernandes' mental state, so United are keen to figure out some clarity in the near future.