Bruno Fernandes

[andersj]

As a #10 playing behind the striker possibly constantly switching positions with Pogba in game.

I think this is the big question mark with him.

I managed to catch parts of the game yesterday and thought he looked good. But it would be very interesting to know how flexible he is and smart tactically. He certainly has ability to play both as an 8 and as a 10, but does he have the know how?

In my opinion we do need a creative midfielder. Today we are very reliant on Paul Pogba. We have more options that can do a defensive job in midfield; Matic, Herrera and McT. Fred was also considered a type of defensive midfielder (both in Ukraine and in Brazil). Heck, Pogba was great for France in a deeper position (but that is obviously a waste). But if Pogba is missing (or man-marked) we really lack creativity.

It would be very interesting to bring in a player that could not only replace Pogba, but also play next to him. I’m sure Fernandes could be an interesting option to Pogba. I also think he could be a good option to Lingard if we continue playing the diamond. But could he be an effective option next to Paul Pogba? If yes, he is probably a no-brainer considering price, age and quality. We obviously have a good scouting network in Portugal too.

Player of the year in Portugal last season is good. His numbers this season is insane considering the team he is playing for. Sporting Lisboa have scored 27 goals from open play this season. Bruno Fernandes have scored 8 and assisted 8 of those. 16 out of 27. Close to 60 % of the team goals from open play. Very few players match that. And he is not even a striker, but a player with significant responsibility on his own half.

Furthermore, it does not appear to be a fluke or a one-season-wonder when you look at the underlying statistics and compare it to previous year. Improvement and development, yes. But it is definitley not a statistical outlier that can be explained by luck, unlike Depay for PSV in 15.

The biggest question is if he can play next to Pogba. A lot of players end up a little bit deeper when they arrive at a better team. But it require a bit of a tactical know-how!

 

[SportingCP96]

I think this is the big question mark with him.

I managed to catch parts of the game yesterday and thought he looked good. But it would be very interesting to know how flexible he is and smart tactically. He certainly has ability to play both as an 8 and as a 10, but does he have the know how?

In my opinion we do need a creative midfielder. Today we are very reliant on Paul Pogba. We have more options that can do a defensive job in midfield; Matic, Herrera and McT. Fred was also considered a type of defensive midfielder (both in Ukraine and in Brazil). Heck, Pogba was great for France in a deeper position (but that is obviously a waste). But if Pogba is missing (or man-marked) we really lack creativity.

It would be very interesting to bring in a player that could not only replace Pogba, but also play next to him. I’m sure Fernandes could be an interesting option to Pogba. I also think he could be a good option to Lingard if we continue playing the diamond. But could he be an effective option next to Paul Pogba? If yes, he is probably a no-brainer considering price, age and quality. We obviously have a good scouting network in Portugal too.

Player of the year in Portugal last season is good. His numbers this season is insane considering the team he is playing for. Sporting Lisboa have scored 27 goals from open play this season. Bruno Fernandes have scored 8 and assisted 8 of those. 16 out of 27. Close to 60 % of the team goals from open play. Very few players match that. And he is not even a striker, but a player with significant responsibility on his own half.

Furthermore, it does not appear to be a fluke or a one-season-wonder when you look at the underlying statistics and compare it to previous year. Improvement and development, yes. But it is definitley not a statistical outlier that can be explained by luck, unlike Depay for PSV in 15.

The biggest question is if he can play next to Pogba. A lot of players end up a little bit deeper when they arrive at a better team. But it require a bit of a tactical know-how!

I agree with all of this and I think if him and Pogba played together they would have license to interchange positions but if Ole was to get the best out of Bruno they make sure he has license to get in the box and be higher up the pitch. Also obviously you see his ability to rip one from deep and the good thing about that is not only does he score a lot of those but like the video I recently posted above shows those shots from distance with the power and velocity he hits them creates chances and havoc in and around the box when the keeper spills the balls. Numerous Sporting goals were scored because of that. Especially against those teams who sit back and those games where it is frustrating to make chances no other player at United has the ability to score from distance like Bruno Fernandes does also not to mention his new found ability to score free kicks. He has literally carried Sporting on his back and another intangible quality is that he is a leader and he shows it on the pitch even at a young age he is very vocal on the field and pushes his teammates forward.

 

[Nick.]

Bruno Fernandes apparently has a high defensive workrate too which could make him useful in a lineup with Pogba.

 

[andersj]

I agree with all of this and I think if him and Pogba played together they would have license to interchange positions but if Ole was to get the best out of Bruno they make sure he has license to get in the box and be higher up the pitch. Also obviously you see his ability to rip one from deep and the good thing about that is not only does he score a lot of those but like the video I recently posted above shows those shots from distance with the power and velocity he hits them creates chances and havoc in and around the box when the keeper spills the balls. Numerous Sporting goals were scored because of that. Especially against those teams who sit back and those games where it is frustrating to make chances no other player at United has the ability to score from distance like Bruno Fernandes does also not to mention his new found ability to score free kicks. He has literally carried Sporting on his back and another intangible quality is that he is a leader and he shows it on the pitch even at a young age he is very vocal on the field and pushes his teammates forward.

I agree. But this could imply a bit less freedom for Pogba and more defensive awareness. Can Pogba handle that? I’m not sure, but I would think so. He was brilliant for France, but that was not a very demanding role from a tactical point of view. On the other side, it would give Pogba more time and space as the oponent would have to be more careful focusing too much on him.

I think this could be part of what Ole would like to do. I imagine he wants to build a team that can push higher up the pitch and control the game on the ball in the oposition half. To do this I do believe we need one more creative player through the middle.

I also think we need four defenders that are good on the ball and have pace, allowing us to play with a high defensive line. Young needs to be replaced. Chris Smalling is a great defender in a high defensive line, but you can not expect him to do anything constructive on the ball and that would hurt our general play.

So yeah, a type of player like Bruno Fernandes could be one of three players crucial to how Solskjaer wants to play. A right winger is also needed, but I’m not sure it is as crucial to our general play as a CM, a CB and a RB.

 

[NYAS]

I’d love to get him but I wouldn’t play him with Pogba. I’d use him as an option to compete with Pogba which is fine for now as there are still question marks about whether Bruno is elite quality. But as I said previously, the age, club we would buy him from and the quality he has shown so far make him quite possibly the best squad option for Pog out there.

We really shouldn’t neglect how we would look without Pogba. We need to be prepared for if he does get injured. If/when that time comes, we can’t just hide behind the “our best player is injured so of course we’ll look worse” excuse. No one remembers that nonsense when your rivals win league titles instead.

 

[Ramshock]

Portuguese Depay, for my money. Very eye-catching with that ridiculously good shot from distance, but seems to excel against the weaker quality in the Primeira Liga whereas he struggled to score many against the more serious Serie A defences.

Also, once again, not a RW so we shouldn't be bothering.

A very lazy comparison

 

[golden_blunder]

His best position is as a somewhat 10 more close to the forwards and that role can be done by Pogba, honestly can’t see him being able to do the Herrera role.

Tbh don’t think he is unable to play on the same team as a Pogba another thing is if he has enough to play consistently for a top team on a top league.

Don’t know.

To put it simply I don’t believe United wants him, now it’s almost certain he is going to leave, the only good player we have above the average on a joke atmosphere.

Could take or compete with Lingard and Mata (or sell Mata)

 

[SportingCP96]

Could take or compete with Lingard and Mata (or sell Mata)

I would very well argue he is not only a better fit but better player then both of them.

 

[SportingCP96]

I agree. But this could imply a bit less freedom for Pogba and more defensive awareness. Can Pogba handle that? I’m not sure, but I would think so. He was brilliant for France, but that was not a very demanding role from a tactical point of view. On the other side, it would give Pogba more time and space as the oponent would have to be more careful focusing too much on him.

I think this could be part of what Ole would like to do. I imagine he wants to build a team that can push higher up the pitch and control the game on the ball in the oposition half. To do this I do believe we need one more creative player through the middle.

I also think we need four defenders that are good on the ball and have pace, allowing us to play with a high defensive line. Young needs to be replaced. Chris Smalling is a great defender in a high defensive line, but you can not expect him to do anything constructive on the ball and that would hurt our general play.

So yeah, a type of player like Bruno Fernandes could be one of three players crucial to how Solskjaer wants to play. A right winger is also needed, but I’m not sure it is as crucial to our general play as a CM, a CB and a RB.

At first I was convinced United under Ole would return to a classic 4-4-2 setup but not I am not too sure.

I also agree with what you said and think he can actually slot into the team. As you said it allows for the opposing team to not be able to man mark a player like Pogba. Which then would also allow both Bruno and Pogba to do what they do best which is make things happen.

 

[Adam-Utd]

sheesh he’s got an absolute cannon of a shot! Scored some beauties.

 

[Silas]

Looks like a good player, but I can't see him playing in the same midfield as Pogba. They aren't really complimentary. If we can get him for cheap, he'd be a good squad option though.

 

[mu4c_20le]

I don't understand the links with this guy, surely Rabiot for free is a better deal? Though I don't think we will get either, because midfield doesn't seem to be a priority, unless he can be coverted to a forward role. Also, he has only had experience in serie A and the portuguese league, the pace of English football would be a huge step up for him. Just seems like a massive gamble on a position that we do not need to strengthen, unless Fred is a goner.

 

[Rozay]

Think I’d prefer Lorenzo Pellegrini as a midfielder of similar profile, out of those who have been linked. He’s class.

 

[SCP]

I would very well argue he is not only a better fit but better player then both of them.

Than current Mata yes the current Lingard not so sure. I think you’re overhyping him a bit. Yes his numbers are great but he is 25 not 20 and Manchester United and the Premier League is a totally different level to compare.

 

[SportingCP96]

Than current Mata yes the current Lingard not so sure. I think you’re overhyping him a bit. Yes his numbers are great but he is 25 not 20 and Manchester United and the Premier League is a totally different level to compare.

He played over 150 games in the Serie A as a teenager than moved to a big club and performed at a high level and improved on a already great season last year. He is probably the best player to wear the green and white of Sporting in the past decade. Lingard is very overhyped on here and I cant point out one thing he is particularly better on then Fernandes.

 

[sideshow_bob]

I get Hamsik vibes from this fella. Am I wrong?

 

[SCP]

He played over 150 games in the Serie A as a teenager than moved to a big club and performed at a high level and improved on a already great season last year. He is probably the best player to wear the green and white of Sporting in the past decade. Lingard is very overhyped on here and I cant point out one thing he is particularly better on then Fernandes.

He has this numbers because he plays in Portugal. Pizzi has 14 assists ffs. When he moved to Sampdoria he never had the same impact as a Torreira. Lingard comes from the Academy, always played in England. Yes you are overhyping him.

 

[MUfreak]

Class player! Get him and move Herrera to Matic's role. I think with him and Rabiot on a free, we are sorted in midfield for next season.

 

[roonster09]

Than current Mata yes the current Lingard not so sure. I think you’re overhyping him a bit. Yes his numbers are great but he is 25 not 20 and Manchester United and the Premier League is a totally different level to compare.

He has this numbers because he plays in Portugal. Pizzi has 14 assists ffs. When he moved to Sampdoria he never had the same impact as a Torreira. Lingard comes from the Academy, always played in England. Yes you are overhyping him.

Very interesting points.

 

[SCP]

Very interesting points.

I am not saying this because I don't like him. Its just unfair to say he would be better than Lingard or that Lingard is hyped here, when in fact one can go into his topic and see a lot of people bashing him. Only that.

 

[roonster09]

I am not saying this because I don't like him. Its just unfair to say he would be better than Lingard or that Lingard is hyped here, when in fact one can go into his topic and see a lot of people bashing him. Only that.

I didn't know he played in Italy, his stats are nowhere near good in Italy. Like you said maybe he is too good for Portuguese league and might not replicate that in stronger leagues.

 

[SCP]

I didn't know he played in Italy, his stats are nowhere near good in Italy. Like you said maybe he is too good for Portuguese league and might not replicate that in stronger leagues.

When he played in Italy he was younger, we went there with 18 years old, I was only using his last season there at Sampdoria. Not saying he hasn't quality to play in England or even at United, only saying I more easily would see him as a protagonist at a club like Wolves or Everton than at a top 6 club. Only putting things into perspective here.

 

[roonster09]

When he played in Italy he was younger, we went there with 18 years old, I was only using his last season there at Sampdoria. Not saying he hasn't quality to play in England or even at United, only saying I more easily would see him as a protagonist at a club like Wolves or Everton than at a top 6 club. Only putting things into perspective here.

Thank you. I didn't know anything about this player, just knew he had superb stats for this season.

 

[SCP]

Thank you. I didn't know anything about this player, just knew he had superb stats for this season.

No problem, I always like to judge this players when they are playing outside top 5 Leagues more based on their International Performances, based on Champions or Europa Leagues, never the Domestic League.

Reason why I say it would be easier for him to be sucessfull at a Wolves or Everton, and even that when we are talking about England we never know how the players adapt.

And I can't believe I am defending a player from Manchester United on a United Forum vs a player from my club, but it is what it is.

Just to put things into perspective, a guy like Felipe Anderson is a good player for West Ham. Does anyone guarantee here he would be better than Lingard at United? Or that Lingard wouldn't have those numbers playing on weaker contexts?

 

[Brightonian]

A very lazy comparison

An extremely lazy rebuttal. At least I actually gave some reasons.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

He'd be a good signing. Giving us fine competion for the Herera role and the tip of the diamond role Lingard plays in. He'd even be decent cover for Pogba

 

[Ramshock]

An extremely lazy rebuttal. At least I actually gave some reasons.

Lazy reasons

 

[SportingCP96]

He has this numbers because he plays in Portugal. Pizzi has 14 assists ffs. When he moved to Sampdoria he never had the same impact as a Torreira. Lingard comes from the Academy, always played in England. Yes you are overhyping him.

He was 21... he was a starter at Udinese alongside Di Natale. You can see his quality just by looking at him "eye test" as people like to say on here. Torreira and him are completely different players and he never fully fit Sampdoria. Coaches have a play in that too. Bruno was just a child when he was in Italy and had over 150 starts that Is saying something. Lingard is not that good never was and if he was at a west ham for example he would not have the same impact as a Felipe Anderson for example.

Pizzi has the luxury of playing in the best team in the league who scores goals for fun because the defense stops trying.. what do you think Bruno Fernandes numbers would be if he played in Benfica. I can only imagine.

 

[SCP]

He was 21... he was a starter at Udinese alongside Di Natale. You can see his quality just by looking at him "eye test" as people like to say on here. Torreira and him are completely different players and he never fully fit Sampdoria. Coaches have a play in that too. Bruno was just a child when he was in Italy and had over 150 starts that Is saying something. Lingard is not that good never was and if he was at a west ham for example he would not have the same impact as a Felipe Anderson for example.

Pizzi has the luxury of playing in the best team in the league who scores goals for fun because the defense stops trying.. what do you think Bruno Fernandes numbers would be if he played in Benfica. I can only imagine.

I hope you’re not into Bruno what Peyroteo is into Cristiano.

Speaking seriously I like him but these days the gap between the top teams in Europe is much bigger than it was 10 or 15 years ago.

Just look Jorginho at Chelsea or Keita at Liverpool to understand what I mean.

I agree with some of the things you said but let’s be careful here.

 

[SteveW]

An extremely lazy rebuttal. At least I actually gave some reasons.

Don't sign him cos he's not a rw?

We are going to Paris with Pereira, Fred and McTomminay. Herrera and Matic are over 30.

The guy has insane workrate botht attacking and defensively, scores and assists heaps and can play anywhere forward of a number 6. And he wont cost a fortune.

It's a no brainer

 

[jderbyshire]

He is quality on fifa.

Always buy him on Career Mode. Great AM.

There's my valuable input to this discussion.

Edit: also, his name isn't pronounced the way you think it is.

 

[sideshow_bob]

He is quality on fifa.

Always buy him on Career Mode. Great AM.

There's my valuable input to this discussion.

Edit: also, his name isn't pronounced the way you think it is.

Oh?! How's it pronounced

 

[SportingCP96]

I hope you’re not into Bruno what Peyroteo is into Cristiano.

Speaking seriously I like him but these days the gap between the top teams in Europe is much bigger than it was 10 or 15 years ago.

Just look Jorginho at Chelsea or Keita at Liverpool to understand what I mean.

I agree with some of the things you said but let’s be careful here.

No I just can respect quality when I see it for example. William Carvalho in 13/14 was ridiculously good I don’t care if it is the Portuguese league he was that good he then regressed in the following seasons ( mostly from not wanting to be their) Bruno is just as good as William was in that season( different players I know ) except unlike William he has continued to improve.

Now I don’t know if Bruno will be world class or not at a highest level because I know he isn’t a player with a ceiling as high as other good youngsters but all i am saying is I have no doubt he is better then Mata and Lingard and would not swap Bruno for any of those two at Sporting.

If you see my posts Over the years on here when it comes to Sporting youngsters and which I value and which i don’t see making it and I have a pretty good prediction rate so far Tu tens mais anos de ver futebol mas eu também entendo muito. É e sempre foi a minha paixão.

 

[jderbyshire]

Oh?! How's it pronounced

It's not the same as the Spanish 'Fernandez'

It's like: "Fir-Naan-Jezz'

 

[SteveW]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

Gaining legs. Really hope theres some truth in this

 

[SportingCP96]

BEST PLAYER IN THE FECKING LEAGUE!! WHAT A GOALLLLLLL GET IN SONNNNN!!

 

[SportingCP96]

Also like I said before best Sporting player in the 21st century. The man is unreal anything under 65M is basically peanuts for this kid,

 

[Ish]

BEST PLAYER IN THE FECKING LEAGUE!! WHAT A GOALLLLLLL GET IN SONNNNN!!

Upload a video/gif

 

[SportingCP96]

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As soon as I get one ill post it in the thread. Weak foot banger from an angle top bins.

 

[Phil Osophy]

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