Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has found it difficult to adapt to a slightly different role after the emergence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The 27-year-old, who racked up 28 goals and 21 assists across all competitions last season, started the new season with a bang against Leeds United, scoring his first hat-trick since joining Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2020.
His output has been considerably low since he was asked to operate in a more restricted role after Ronaldo’s emergence. He has made just five goal contributions since the end of the last transfer window, which got the Old Trafford crowd frustrated. Under the new manager Ralf Rangnick, he has found it difficult to get used to a wider role, making it even more difficult to accommodate him in the starting squad.
There have been some reports linking the footballer to a move to La Liga, with Barcelona interested in signing the Portuguese stalwart. The news emerged from a media house of his own country, SPORT TV, who have linked him with Barcelona after not finding his feet in the Premier League this season.
“And I thought the new year only started a few days ago, yet we’re already on April 1. Or is this once again just bad journalism?”
the midfielder wrote on his Instagram story, responding to all these reports on his exit.
His response comes as a sigh of relief for the United faithful, who are anticipating him to be the next big thing at the club. However, this isn’t the first time Fernandes has been linked with the Blaugrana. The Spanish giants were rumoured to tip the player from the hands of United shortly before the English club completed the move. It would come as no surprise if the club continues to pursue the player, who is contracted with United until 2025.
The Portugal international made his debut against Wolves in February 2020 and went on to score 45 goals in 104 appearances, including a staggering 49-goal contribution last season.
Rangnick identifies Fernandes as a key to unlocking the club’s true potential. Despite not starting in their defeat against Wolves last week, he is expected to start against Aston Villa in the FA Cup 3rd fixture.
