In Focus: Fernandes can fire Red Devils to top four

Bruno Fernandes recaptured his best form at the World Cup with Portugal — and maintaining it will be key to Manchester United’s top-four hopes. 

Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford in November, leaving a void in terms of leadership, set-piece responsibility and goalscoring prowess. 

Fernandes is skilled at all three and will now be relied upon to spearhead Erik ten Hag's attack and help his team improve on their position of fifth. 

Ahead of United's clash with Wolves, we look at why the Portuguese star could be about to hit new heights.

Leading the attack

United's preferred shape is a 4-2-3-1 with Fernandes operating centrally.

At his best, the playmaker is aggressive and vocal on the pitch — unafraid to assume responsibility. He is brave in possession and committed to breaking lines. 

In the 1,259 minutes of Premier League football he has played this season, he has contributed two goals and an assist. Nobody at Old Trafford has created more than his 36 chances. 

United appear to be playing with increased confidence now the World Cup is over — their first game back in the top flight saw them beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 — and the 28-year-old could become increasingly important as the team continues to progress.

Shining on the world stage

Fernandes played an important role for Portugal during the World Cup. 

His stock was raised despite his country's elimination by Morocco in the quarter-finals — he netted twice and contributed three assists in the 357 minutes of football he played. None of his team-mates had a hand in more goals. 

Fernandes also created more chances (nine) than any of his compatriots.

Leading by example

Speaking ahead of the return of Premier League football, Fernandes opened up about leadership and how he views his role at Old Trafford.

He said: "It is something that comes naturally to me. It is not something that I try and do in training. Even in normal life I try to help people. 

"My mum and dad made me understand that if you can help the next person, do it. If that means speaking then I speak. 

"[The best thing to do is to] lead by example. Do everything that the coach asks you, do everything that is asked of you in every training session. 

"I try to pass confidence to the younger players, it does not matter how old they are. I also want them to feel part of the family at Manchester United. 

"It is not just about the first team. And I remember being a young player too and wanting support from older players."

Highs and lows

Fernandes' United career has seen both highs and lows since he joined them from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, costing the Red Devils £46.5million. 

He hit the ground running, contributing eight goals and seven assists in the second half of the 2019-20 season. 

The Portuguese's ascent continued in 2020-21. He provided 18 goals and 11 assists for United as they finished second behind Manchester City. 

But since then his form has dipped — he only managed 10 goals and six assists last season. Ten Hag’s hope will be that he can get back on track in the second half of 2022-23.

A crowded race

United's ambition for this season is to qualify for the Champions League. 

They are currently one point behind fourth-placed Tottenham — albeit with a game in hand — and 11 behind league leaders Arsenal.

The presence of Newcastle in the top four has also thrown a spanner in the works — meaning seven teams are fighting for four places, with Liverpool and Chelsea breathing down United's necks. 

Ten Hag will need Fernandes to return to top form if his side are to secure their place in Europe’s premier club competition next term. Every game matters — starting with Wolves today.