Manchester United are taking a huge risk with Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United are taking a huge risk with Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United can't seem to catch a break at the moment.
The season is just weeks old and Erik ten Hag's side have just three wins from seven games in the Premier League and none in two in the Champions League. The defence of the Carabao Cup may have started well with a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, but there's no getting around the fact that United have got big problems already.
The Reds have suffered particularly badly with injuries so far this campaign, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sergio Reguilon all spending time on the treatment table.
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Things are far from ideal, but if United boss Ten Hag is not careful, he could soon lose one of his most important players to injury. New data which analysed 1,800 professional players from world players' union FIFPro shows Bruno Fernandes played 6,666 minutes between September 15, 2022, and September 15, 2023 - more minutes than any other player included in the study.
The risk for United is a fairly simple one: the more competitive minutes any player is given will only increase the risk of them pulling something, overexertion or even burnout. This at a time when players are already starting to rally against the number of fixtures in the calendar.
Fernandes' United teammate Raphael Varane previously said in August that the number of fixtures players are having to take part in is 'at a dangerous level for players’ physical and mental well-being'. In a tweet, the centre-back wrote: "We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended from the referees new decisions and rules.
From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players’ physical and mental well-being.
"Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100 per cent to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?"
It comes down to the fact that United manager Erik ten Hag is treading a dangerous line with his management of Fernandes' game time. The Reds have had more than their fair share of injuries already this season, but seeing their captain ruled out for any period of time would hit harder than anything United have had to deal with so far.
Fernandes may have his critics but the simple fact is that he remains United's most creative outlet.
After handing him the captain's armband this summer, Ten Hag also relies on the Portugal international's leadership on the pitch. Losing him is simply not an option.
The addition of Mason Mount for £55m plus a potential £5m from Premier League rivals Chelsea could be one potential solution to give Fernandes some much-needed time off, while the likes of Christian Eriksen and Amad should also be capable of stepping into his role when needed, once the latter returns from injury.
Bruno's desire is unquestioned. He gives his all on the pitch and while he is no doubt pushing to play every minute behind the scenes, a rest could help him take his form up to new levels and help United avoid catastrophe later in the season.
