Enzo Fernandez's departure from the field after the Manchester derby with a bleeding nose partly reflects the strong personality and fearlessness of the Argentine midfielder. However, what happened before that made him the center of attention.
Harry Maguire clearly showed anger when Fernandez fell after a slight collision. The Man United center-back even pulled Fernandez up, while the Man City midfielder continued to lie on the field. Such confrontations have become a familiar part of Fernandez's playing style.
Not only annoying the opponent, Fernandez also played an important role in Man City's 1-0 victory at Old Trafford. He won 6 tackles, made 3 passes to create chances and had one shot on the post, in a context where Man United faced many difficulties.
More importantly, Fernandez brings Man City what this team needs in the process of change under Enzo Maresca: decisiveness and the ability to create pressure in tackles.
Man City has recruited technical midfielders like Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, but Fernandez brings a different color. He is ready to compete, put pressure and make opponents lose their composure. In a tense derby, those qualities are especially useful.
However, Fernandez also came with a long list of controversial incidents. Michael Carrick got angry after this midfielder rushed into a situation where Martinez was trying to clear the ball, before Erling Haaland scored. VAR then recognized the goal, although Fernandez was said to have influenced the opponent in the situation leading to the goal when standing in an offside position.
This decision became even more controversial when the referee admitted a mistake in handling the situation after the match. However, Man City still won and Fernandez continued to become one of the most prominent figures in the match.
This is not the first time Fernandez has been involved in controversial situations. He was once sent off in the 2026 World Cup final after fouling Pau Cubarsi. This midfielder also caused controversy for his actions in Argentina and Chelsea colors.
Those events made Fernandez one of the players most likely to create negative reactions. He may be booed when appearing at Old Trafford, but Fernandez only responded with a smile.
The Citizens seem not too concerned about those controversies. For Maresca, it is important that Fernandez brings the "spirit of victory" and determination that the team needs in the transition period.
Fernandez's presence can also change the image of Man City. For many years under Pep Guardiola, Man City stood out with ball control and accurate combinations. Fernandez brings a more direct and touchy style.
Maresca may need such players to create balance in the new squad. Fernandez is not the type of midfielder loved by everyone, but he has the ability to make the match tense and create strong emotions.
For Man City, that may be Fernandez's value. He does not only come to pass the ball or control the midfield. He is also expected to become a player who makes opponents uncomfortable, is not afraid of confrontation and is ready to enter disputes.
The Manchester Derby is just the first introduction. If Fernandez continues to maintain this style, Man City under Maresca will definitely have one of the most personality midfielders in the Premier League.
