28 Jan 2025 17:23:07
Bruno Fernandez. Historically I’ve not been a fan due to his positional ill discipline, his carelessness with the ball, his tendency to give away stupid fouls in dangerous areas and his general on-field histrionics.
But all this seems to have drastically changed with the arrival of Ruben Anorim. What I’m seeing is someone who seems to be enjoying his football more and is leading by example with his application. His work rate is phenomenal and I think it’s rubbing off on the other players.
I like him more in central midfield, especially when he has Collyer or Ugarte alongside him playing a more disciplined role. This gives him freedom to roam and I think having two no 10s ahead of him takes away the pressure for him to create so he is less likely to try something speculative and give the ball away cheaply.
He’s also calmed down with referees and play acting which I like to see. Previously he was just looking like a fool with all the stupid arm waving and feigning injury.
If he carries on this way I’ll be very happy to see him stay at Utd and hopefully be a central part of the new team that Anorim builds.
28 Jan 2025 18:59:10
Mancman I'm not a fan. His personal stats are very good in creativity and goal contributions including assists that's undeniable. However I have not liked him as a player.
I tend to agree with most of your post he has been better recently and cut out a lot of the antics. I'm guessing the manager has told him to clean up his act and he's responded. So long may that continue. He has always been convinced by amorim so he is giving it everything and I admire that. I'm not sure I'll ever be a huge fan of Bruno that said I hope he scores every week and continues to play and act like a leader should because he has done both of those things much better recently. Good post of yours manc man.
28 Jan 2025 19:32:15
I like this post very much. Bruno deeper seems to suit him well. But we do sacrifice creativity in front of him.
Mount is an obvious fill when he finally gets fit. I do wonder if Mainoo could plug the gap further up too?
28 Jan 2025 22:51:12
Best player we have had in years by a million miles.
29 Jan 2025 07:26:56
Eric, Mount and Mainoo ahead of Bruno is an interesting option. I do sometimes wonder if Mainoo is a bit lightweight for central midfield in the Premier League but his calmness on the ball and excellent close control in tight spaces could be excellent further forward as a 10.
But then, where does Amad play? Wingback?
29 Jan 2025 08:12:58
I think he can play wing back against the “weaker” teams for sure but it does feel like a waste him being there. Amad also can’t play every game.
It’s a decent option to rotate the team around a bit though. Let’s not forget on Mainoo that he is still a very young lad and has a lot to learn and a lot of development ahead of him in this new formation. Putting him in a midfield 2 that is being overrun must be a tough challenge for him.
29 Jan 2025 10:31:22
Good post Mancman and Tumble
Tactical ill-discipline from Bruno has been a bug bear of mine for a while. I saw the comment from RA that said about players losing position tactically could not continue to happen and suspect that could easily be aimed at Bruno. Seems better and doesn’t seem to be chasing back as much from being out of position. Does still give the ball away, often putting us under extreme pressure. The head coach RA will look to improve him and he must improve to stay.
29 Jan 2025 16:37:43
RM, you see it how you want to see it re Bruno.
29 Jan 2025 17:54:15
Redman, I think as a central midfielder Bruno's positional discipline is much better because he isn't the first line of the press, but also he has license to roam knowing that Ugarte or Collyer is minding the shop.
I think as a box to box midfielder that is his remit. I also think that's what gets the most out of him and makes best use of his incredible engine. He can be an influence anywhere on the pitch offensively and in a deeper role he offers more defensively.
I was at OT for the Rangers game and watching Bruno off the ball, he really impressed me.
29 Jan 2025 20:57:35
Angelred so do you.
30 Jan 2025 05:47:15
Mancman
Yes he spends a lot of energy. Previously he would be caught out and be seen running back chasing an opposition player because he was out of position, I haven’t seen as much of that recently. Having the excellent Ugarte and impressive Collyer there rather than Casemiro helps. Bruno has to work on not giving the ball away, cracked record I know but we come under terrible pressure at times, give goals away because of it.
Angelred, I see what I see on the football pitch. Some can be blinkered by their favourite player. Fact is we have been terrible at a time when Bruno has been our leader on the pitch or supposed to be and he has been part of the problem at times.
30 Jan 2025 10:59:36
Ken, difference is, Bruno has assists and goals to boot and always shows up, never shies away. Facts back up my assertions.
30 Jan 2025 14:40:00
Angel do you think the list possession stats don't back up redmans assertions? Because they do.
30 Jan 2025 15:32:31
Tumble/ Redman, part of what I'm saying about Bruno is that to my eye in a central midfield role he seems to be looking after the ball better and giving it away less.
I think he might also be winning it back more as well.
Giving the ball away so much is the the thing that has driven me crazy about him as well so I'm quite well attuned to it.
Unfortunately I have no idea where (and probably not much inclination lol) to find stats to either support or refute my feeling on this.
30 Jan 2025 19:18:51
The stats are there. As I said his personal stats are very good.
I agree mncman he looks better deeper. But more importantly he is acting like a leader for the 1st time during his united career and has cut out a lot of what makes a lot of people dislike him so that bodes well.