You need only go back one month to find a time when there was a debate about whether or not Manchester United would be better off without Bruno Fernandes, with Erik ten Hag launching a defense of his Portuguese midfielder. You can find this time by pressing the "Back" button on your keyboard.
Given the problems that existed elsewhere in the team, Fernandes' poor performance from the previous year went a little under the radar. During the pre-season tour of Australia, he became defensive when it was suggested that his playing style might be incompatible with Ten Hag's new philosophy.
The attacking midfielder is known for being a high-risk playmaker, which, when it works out, can make him a significant force in terms of creativity; however, when it doesn't, it can lead to criticism.
Fernandes insisted during the offseason that he would be able to maintain possession of the ball when required, in keeping with Ten Hag's style of play, which is built around possession; however, his beginning to the season suggested that the acclimatization was not coming naturally.
His first 13 games of the season for United only resulted in one goal and one assist, but gradually he has started to find his form under Ten Hag, with two goals and an assist coming in his last seven games before the season was paused for the World Cup. His first 13 games of the season for United only resulted in one goal and one assist.
As a result of Antony's injury and Ten Hag's decision to give Donny van de Beek more opportunities, Fernandes was moved to a position that was unfamiliar to him and played some of those games from the right side of the front three.
United was reminded of what they had in Fernandes by Van de Beek's play, and it was a welcome reminder. The Dutchman struggled to exert his influence on games while playing in the advanced midfield position because he was timid. In his first game back in that position, which was the Carabao Cup match against Aston Villa, Fernandes scored one goal and set up another.
This form has carried over into his time playing for Portugal in international competition, as he scored twice in a pre-World Cup friendly match against Nigeria and then assisted on two goals in a 3-2 victory against Ghana.
The 28-year-old player deftly sidestepped questions about Cristiano Ronaldo while in the Portugal camp. However, it is no secret that he has looked more influential at United without his countryman in the side, a factor that does not appear to be as prevalent for the national team.
However, it has been a problem for United, and Ronaldo's return coincided with Fernandes' relatively poor season for United in 2021/22, when his Premier League returns dropped from 18 goals and 12 assists to just 10 and six, respectively. This season, the majority of his more impressive performances have occurred when his countryman was not on the team.
It is possible that Fernandes will feel even more liberated now that Ronaldo has left Old Trafford. This comes at a time when it appears that Fernandes is returning to his best form. When we have had the opportunity to observe it, his link-up play with Antony Martial has appeared to be effective.
If Fernandes does return to Manchester United close to his peak form, then he might be able to slot into what will be United's best and most complete midfield in close to twenty years. This would be the case since the days when Sir Alex Ferguson could call on players of the quality of Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, and later Michael Carrick. When they are at their absolute best, the trio consisting of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Fernandes ticks every box as a complete unit.
Casemiro and Eriksen have been United's brightest stars so far this season, lighting up games for the club. The fact that Fernandes has been able to perform at that level once more is a positive sign for Ten Hag.
