Bruno Fernandes has once again demonstrated why he is indispensable to Manchester United. In their recent 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford, Fernandes led from the front, showing both his technical prowess and strategic acumen.

Strategic Brilliance on the Pitch

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted that Fernandes was 'too clever for us and the referee' in the way he manipulated the positioning of his first-half free-kick. Post-match analysis revealed that the ball was positioned 11.2 yards away from the wall, a full yard more than the required 10 yards. This slight advantage allowed Fernandes to execute his shot with more precision and power.

Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given commented on the play, saying, 'It was really good execution, but yes the wall was too far back. Maybe the referee just miscounted it, but it gave Bruno that advantage.'

Leadership and Versatility

United's head coach, Ruben Amorim, expressed his admiration for Fernandes, stating, 'We need more Brunos, that is clear. It's not just the quality and the character. He makes some mistakes but he is so decisive with and without the ball.' Amorim highlighted Fernandes' ability to play in different positions and his constant readiness to step up in crucial moments.

Statistical Dominance

Fernandes is currently Manchester United's top Premier League goalscorer this season with seven goals to his name. His 12 goals in all competitions and 14 goal involvements in the league underline his critical role in the team. Since his debut in February 2020, only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Tottenham's Son Heung-min have been involved in more goals than Fernandes.

The Future of Manchester United

Amorim is keen on building a team that not only wins but also plays attractive football. 'When you coach Manchester United, you cannot play too much like that,' he said, referring to the counter-attacking style that has often been associated with the team. He aims to shift this narrative and provide the fans with a more engaging and dynamic style of play.

As Manchester United continues to navigate through a challenging season, the importance of Bruno Fernandes cannot be overstated. His leadership, skill, and determination are vital as the team seeks to climb higher in the Premier League standings and regain their former glory.