MX23RW : Sunday, July 7 14:23:22| >> :60:222:222:
[monks data]
Attendance: 73,363
Manchester United logo
Premier League | Gameweek 25
Feb 1, 2020 at 5.30pm UK
 
Wolves logo

0-0

FT

How Bruno Fernandes performed on encouraging Manchester United debut

How Bruno Fernandes performed on encouraging Manchester United debut
© Reuters
Bruno Fernandes took up an advanced central position behind centre forward Anthony Martial.

Bruno Fernandes made his Manchester United debut in Saturday's Premier League clash with Wolves following his move to Old Trafford earlier in the week.

Here, the PA news agency looks at how the Portugal midfielder performed.

Positioning

Fernandes played in the role behind striker Martial
Fernandes played in the role behind striker Martial (Martin Rickett/PA)

Fernandes took up an advanced central position behind centre forward Anthony Martial. He was prepared to drop deep when necessary and also drifted out to the right to pick up possession or push forward. He looked comfortable in his new surroundings and often got into position to shoot.

Possession

He did the simple things well, always looking for the ball and keeping the team moving with short passes. He also showed his eye for through balls and long passes, although they did not always come off. There were occasions early in the game when he was quickly closed down and dispossessed but he soon settled.

Runs

View this post on Instagram

➡️ Making moves. #MUFC #BrunoFernandes

A post shared by Manchester United (@manchesterunited) on

The 25-year-old made some intelligent runs forward and got into the box occasionally. He generally lacked the service to make the most of his runs but that may come as his understanding of the team grows.

Defensive work

Fernandes was booked for a foul on Jimenez
Fernandes was booked for a foul on Jimenez (Martin Rickett/PA)

Although primarily an attacking midfielder, Fernandes is also known to get his foot in when needed. He did not shirk a challenge on Joao Moutinho in the first half and his opponent certainly felt his presence. For all his good qualities, however, Fernandes has also had a reputation for picking up bookings during his career. He was booked for pulling back Raul Jimenez early in the second half.

Goal threat

The newcomer showed he was not afraid to shoot, trying his luck with a number of attempts from distance. On this occasion he was not in luck, either missing the target or failing to extend Rui Patricio.

Overall impression

Manchester United fans will have been encouraged by Fernandes' performance
Manchester United fans will have been encouraged by Fernandes' performance (Martin Rickett/PA)

This was a composed first appearance in English football. Fernandes looked at ease on the ball and did little wrong while always looking to keep the team moving. There may not have been any key contributions but this was a positive showing and United will hope he can have a huge influence as he adapts to the Premier League.

ID:388504: cacheID:388504:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:17078:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Odion Ighalo pictured for Nigeria in June 2018
Read Next:
Neville: 'Ighalo signing underlines United's struggles'
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Tuesday, July 9
 
8pm
Semi-Finals
Spain
vs.
France
Wednesday, July 10
 
8pm
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!