Bruno Fernandes form dip mirrors Manchester United's worst league start in 40 years
Fernandes has three goals and one assist this season, all against Ipswich, as Manchester United sit on six points from six games.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is enduring a difficult start to the season, with his drop in output coinciding with the club's worst opening to a league campaign in 40 years. The 31-year-old has three goals and one assist in six Premier League games, all coming in the 30 August win over Ipswich. United have collected six points and sit on their lowest tally at this stage since Ron Atkinson was eventually sacked to make way for Sir Alex Ferguson.
The statistics reveal a wider creative slump. Fernandes is averaging 0.8 shots on target and 2.5 chances created per game, both among the lowest of his United career, and he has created just one 'big chance' this season compared with an average of one per game last term. Against Tottenham, he took 23 minutes to complete a pass. He was also left out of Portugal's recent Nations League match with Norway, with national team boss Jorge Jesus saying he was playing through pain.
Manager Michael Carrick downplayed fitness concerns. He said Fernandes was carrying something but that it is manageable and the player is pretty much over it, adding that the captain was bright in training. Carrick also stressed that no-one is guaranteed a place but indicated leaving out Fernandes is not in his thinking, calling him a top player who will do incredible things again.
The article suggests Fernandes' struggles are tied to the absence of Benjamin Sesko and Casemiro. Last season, Fernandes created four of Sesko's nine league goals in 2026 and four of Casemiro's final five United goals from 1 February. Sesko's fresh shin injury extends a lack of involvement, while Casemiro's positioning and game knowledge allowed Fernandes to take risks without fear of being overrun on transition. A plan to use Bryan Mbeumo as a number nine was scrapped when Amad Diallo injured his ankle, and Matheus Cunha's tendency to drop deep has clashed with Fernandes' space.
Supporters are divided on whether Fernandes is a symptom or a cause of the malaise. Some argue his reduced numbers reflect a broader structural failure, while others believe his decision-making is being affected and that he must improve for United to climb the table. Carrick remains confident, saying the captain has done incredible things for the club and will do so again.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
