Bruno Fernandes has once again affirmed his important role at Manchester United. He scored one goal and assisted another in an impressive performance, thereby being voted the Best Player of the match in the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
In a post-match interview, the Portuguese midfielder said he felt "urtured" and "sad" when accusing Man United's board of trying to profit from him in the summer transfer window.
"I feel like the club is saying, 'If you leave, it won't affect us much.' That made me sad. Not only sad but also really heartbroken.
The club wanted me to leave, I remember that very well. I spoke to the board, but I thought they were not brave enough to make a decision because the coach wanted me to stay. If I say I want to leave, even if the coach wants me to stay, they will still let me go" - the Portuguese player said.
Bruno Fernandes is leading the list of best players of the season, continuing to affirm his worth even in a difficult season of Man United.
Bruno Fernandes' 4 goals and 6 assists have helped Ruben Amorim's team earn a total of 14 points. The draw with Bournemouth was the latest proof, as his assists made the difference between a defeat and a draw. The Portuguese international has also played a key role in the Red Devils' three-point win over Wolves and Crystal Palace.
Bruno Fernandes played a match that was in his role as a leader. He regulates the tempo, motivates teammates to push up, constantly demanding speed and accuracy in the final stages. When Man United needed a moment to make a difference, Bruno Fernandes was also the one to stand up.
Another way to assess the influence of players is to consider the goals and assists that bring the highest score to the team. And again, Bruno Fernandes continues to lead the list this season.
The 31-year-old midfielder's contributions have directly helped Man United win more than half of their total 26 points after 16 matches.
However, those individual efforts are not enough to cover up collective issues. Man United took the lead against Bournemouth three times, and all three times they could not defend their advantage.
For a captain like Bruno Fernandes, it is unacceptable. He knows better than anyone that the Premier League does not reward emotions, but will punish carelessness.
After the match, Amorim frankly mentioned the "lack of sharpness" and problems with defensive quality. That is also what Bruno Fernandes has been worried about for many months.
Man United played better, more attractive, but were still fragile at times that required coldness. At 31, Bruno Fernandes is no longer patient enough to consider beautiful performances as a measure of success.
