Bruno Fernandes: 12 Games Without a Goal - A Costly Fall for Man Utd

An Insight into Bruno Fernandes’ Goal Drought at Manchester United

Last April, Bruno Fernandes showcased his incredible talent by scoring a stunning left-footed strike from 25 yards out against Sheffield United. This goal marked an impressive streak of seven goals in just five games for Manchester United. However, twelve matches later, Fernandes is still seeking his next goal, marking a significant change in his fortune.

Fernandes' Dip in Form

After one of the most prolific phases of his Manchester United career, Fernandes is now enduring his longest goal drought. His struggle to score isn’t due to a lack of effort; fans have witnessed numerous attempts, some of which have been deemed desperate and speculative. Recent stats from Opta highlight Fernandes' attempts as he faced a mere 1% chance of scoring from two shots against Southampton.

Statistics That Tell the Story

Despite his active participation on the pitch, Fernandes has failed to hit the target in his last four Premier League matches. This season, he has produced a total of 30 shots without success and boasts the highest number of attempts (17) among players who have yet to score in Europe's top leagues. His near miss against Crystal Palace, which saw a shot bounce off the ground and onto the post, underscores his ongoing struggle.

Missed Opportunities

In a league where precision counts, Fernandes has missed three significant chances this season, including two clear one-on-one opportunities against Fulham on the opening matchday. Manchester United, under the management of Erik ten Hag, currently ranks poorly in terms of goal conversion, having wasted 17 out of 19 clear-cut opportunities this season.

Team Performance and Challenges

Manchester United ranks third in the Premier League for expected goals (xG) with a remarkable total of 9.10. Nonetheless, their real goal count stands at just five—far below their xG indicates they should have scored. This unsettling trend points to an urgent need for improvement in finishing.

The Impact on Team Strategy

With just two wins from five games and a placing of 11th in the early Premier League table, the pressure is mounting on Ten Hag. Matches like the 2-1 defeat against Brighton and the 0-0 stalemate with Crystal Palace highlight the potential missed opportunities for securing points through better finishing.

Looking Ahead: Hope for the Future

Manchester United fans are holding onto the hope that a fully fit Rasmus Hojlund will inject fresh energy into the squad, while Marcus Rashford appears to be regaining his form. As they prepare to face Spurs on Sunday, will Bruno Fernandes finally break his scoring drought and celebrate in front of the Stretford End once more?

Conclusion

Bruno Fernandes’ current goal drought is a concern for both him and Manchester United, as missed chances can have significant implications for their season. With strategic adjustments and improved finishing, the Red Devils can hope for a turnaround and reignite their ambitions in the Premier League.