Has the signing of Bruno Fernandes changed Manchester United?

(My answer on Quora)

I am not a Manchester United fan but I have to admit that he has been a Godsend for the Devils.

Bruno Fernandes source goal.com

Before Bruno Fernandes arrived at the club United had played 38 games in all competitions winning 18, drawing 10 and losing 10. Hardly stellar numbers. In addition they were well outside a Champion’s League spot and looked to be a Europa league challenger at best. Win % in the league was particularly poor (37.5%). United had a mere 34 points in the league that were accrued over 24 games.

Fernandes has played in all of United’s last 14 remaining League Game. In that span the club picked up 32 points to edge out Chelsea for third spot and a Champion's League position. In addition United has not lost a single league that Fernandes has played in (although they have drawn five). The win % for those 14 games was 64.3%.

While United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Chelsea in the semi-finals they do however look to be one of the favourites to clinch the Europa League that will be played over the month of August.

Fernandes provides United with a creative option. He links up well with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford and has immense prowess as a dead ball specialist.

However there are concerns. The most pertinent of these is that he risks being overplayed. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did this with Marcus Rashford leading to a long term injury and could very well do the same with Fernandes.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - He needs Fernandes but can he manage him without burnout? source goal.com

In his last few games the Portuguese international has looked tired and with a new season starting soon after the Europa League windup Solskjaer will have to rely on his squad depth to help him out. Fernandes needs a break.

Unfortunately the Norwegian seems reluctant to do so. He has profited from this source of creativity and appears averse to change course temporarily. Such short-sighted thinking could have poor consequences for United. As good as he is Fernandes is still a human being.

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