Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United (Cunha 43’)
STAMFORD BRIDGE — Is there a more influential player in the Premier League than Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes?
For all of United’s struggles in recent years, there has not been a season in which Fernandes’ goal contributions have not been in double figures since he joined the club in January 2020. He has steered United through a difficult period and is leading them through what they hope is the other side, setting an unmistakably high standard.
Victory over Chelsea on Saturday was the 11th top-flight match in 13 that he had scored or assisted in for Manchester United. Not only is Fernandes closing in on a personal milestone of the most assists in a single season, but he is also responsible for 44.8 per cent of United’s league goals this season, with eight scored to accompany his 18 assists.
His 18th assist of the season placed him within two of Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, who hold the record for most assists in a single Premier League campaign. With five games left, he will surely eclipse the pair.
United required the moment from his masterful playbook. It had been all Chelsea in west London, but it was the absence of their very own amulet that came back to bite them, as Fernandes pioneered the United lead against the run of play with minutes left in the first half.
Man Utd took a huge step towards the Champions League (Photo: AP)Receiving the ball on the right, he bypassed not one but two blue shirts to carry the ball to the byline before a pinpoint pass with his right foot into the penalty area found Matheus Cunha free to blast into the top corner.
United had lacked creativity, but Fernandes – as he often does – stepped up when they needed him most to claim the lead and extend United’s grip on a Champions League spot to 10 points.
United may be overreliant on Fernandes, but he possesses such a phenomenal quality that he naturally steps up to run the show. His trademark ball over the top came out to play once at Stamford Bridge, as he found Bryan Mbeumo down the right. Mbeumo centred to Cunha, but a poor touch from the goalscorer prevented a shot from an intelligently carved opening.
The biggest worry for United is that Fernandes could be prised away, as just 13 months remain on his contract – although there is an option for a further year.
Fernandes wants to know that United are heading in the right direction and can compete at the very top of the Premier League. There has been evidence since Carrick took the reins to suggest they are, but United have been here before.
The priority for the decision-makers at United must be to ensure the Portuguese attacker commits to fresh terms. But at 31, he wants trophies to accompany his unceasing quality. United must prove they can offer that, and confirming a Champions League spot will be advantageous.
Read more
Pete Hall: The mystery of Man Utd’s missing man
Kat Lucas: ‘Go f**k yourself’: Non-league chair sacked after leaked email row
It was by no means a vintage performance by Michael Carrick’s side at Chelsea, albeit they found a way to win after a difficult defeat to Leeds United on Monday and edged closer to a Champions League return.
Their defence was on top. An unconventional centre-back pairing of Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui deserve kudos for stepping up amid suspension and injuries at centre-back. The highlight came when Mazraoui slid in on former United attacker Alejandro Garnacho in the 83rd minute, cleanly sweeping up a Chelsea attack down the left – despite penalty appeals from the hosts.
Chelsea did go close twice in the second half, striking the crossbar on both occasions, but the makeshift centre-back pairing deserved their luck.
Hence then, the article about man utd s talisman is about to eclipse henry and de bruyne was published today ( ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Man Utd’s talisman is about to eclipse Henry and De Bruyne )
Also on site :
- Trump speeds review of psychedelics after Joe Rogan texted him about ibogaine. ‘Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it’
- Charity Organization Cuts Ties with Sharon Osbourne After She Backs Tommy Robinson’s Anti-Immigration Rally
- Royals To Select Contract Of Elias Díaz