Sports Pundit has sent strong words against Manchester United coach stating he’s being known for benching good players and starting his favourite ones only giving others limited playing time❌
Despite a recent stretch of underwhelming performances, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag remains steadfast in his backing of captain Bruno Fernandes as they prepare for a pivotal Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. While some may question this decision, it underscores the difficult situation the team finds itself in as they attempt to recover from a disappointing season.
Manchester United’s current campaign has been marred by poor results, leaving them outside the Premier League’s top ten. Their struggles in front of goal have been a significant issue, with the team repeatedly failing to capitalize on chances, which has also impacted their European ambitions. This was evident in their recent 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford, where United missed the opportunity to secure a home win, extending their winless run in the Europa League.
With only three wins from their eight matches across all competitions, United’s lack of success has highlighted their inability to dominate either domestically or in Europe. New signing Joshua Zirkzee has shown flashes of promise, particularly in his ability to link up play in the final third, but the former Bologna striker has yet to demonstrate the finishing touch required to make a significant impact. Rasmus Hojlund’s injury has forced Ten Hag to rely more heavily on Zirkzee, further exposing United’s weaknesses in attack.
Among the many concerns facing the team, the alarming dip in form from captain Bruno Fernandes stands out. Once known for his creativity and goal-scoring abilities, Fernandes has endured a challenging season. Despite leading the league in shots, the Portuguese playmaker has yet to score, a stark contrast to his usual high standards.
Fernandes’ struggles go beyond just failing to find the back of the net. His overall play has been inconsistent, particularly in his passing, which has often lacked the accuracy that once made him one of the league’s top creators. His decision-making has also come under scrutiny, as evidenced during the Europa League draw at Old Trafford, where he opted for a speculative 40-yard shot in the closing moments instead of passing to a better-positioned teammate. This frustrated the home fans, who saw the move as a sign of desperation rather than a calculated risk. Additionally, Fernandes’ frequent loss of possession has added to the growing frustration among United supporters, as his lack of composure in key moments has left the team vulnerable to counter-attacks. This decline in form has not only alarmed fans but also raised concerns within the club, which relies heavily on Fernandes’ leadership during difficult periods.
Despite these ongoing issues, Ten Hag seems unwilling to drop Fernandes for the upcoming match against Tottenham. The Dutch coach likely believes that Fernandes can rediscover his form and help inspire the team, especially in such a critical game. Ten Hag may also recognize that, even when not performing at his peak, Fernandes’ leadership and potential for moments of brilliance are still crucial to United’s fortunes.
As pressure builds on both Fernandes and Ten Hag, the Tottenham match represents a defining moment in United’s season. A strong showing could spark a turnaround, boosting the team’s morale and setting the stage for improvement. On the other hand, another poor performance could deepen the crisis at Old Trafford, leading to more questions about Ten Hag’s tactics and Fernandes’ role in the squad.
In the coming days, much will depend on whether Fernandes can rise to the challenge, silence his critics, and deliver a performance that reminds everyone of his undeniable talent. For now, Ten Hag’s decision to stand by his captain will be closely watched, with United fans hoping that this trust will lead to a much-needed victory.
