The short version
- Bruno Fernandes has recorded significantly lower chance creation and shot accuracy figures compared to his record-breaking previous campaign.
- Manchester United have secured only six points from their first six league matches, marking their poorest start since the early 1980s.
- Manager Michael Carrick insists the captain is fit despite reports of pain, while the absence of key teammates like Casemiro and Sesko complicates tactical stability.
Manchester United are navigating a difficult period at the start of the new Premier League season, having accumulated just six points from their opening six matches. This performance represents the club's worst beginning to a league campaign in forty years, a statistic that dates back to the era when Ron Atkinson was dismissed and Sir Alex Ferguson took charge. The team's struggles have drawn intense scrutiny toward captain Bruno Fernandes, whose current output stands in stark contrast to the exceptional form that defined the previous season.
Only seven weeks ago, Fernandes celebrated receiving the PFA Player of the Year award for 2025-26 at the Manchester Opera House. He had also secured honors from the Football Writers' Association and helped guide United to an unexpected third-place finish in the league. His contributions were pivotal during that campaign, particularly in the final eleven games where he was directly involved in twelve of the team's twenty-one goals. During the seven-match run that returned the club to elite European competition after a two-year hiatus, the thirty-one-year-old played a central role in nine out of twelve objectives.
The statistical disparity between last season and the current one is pronounced. In the previous campaign, Fernandes scored nine goals and provided twenty-one assists, breaking a Premier League record previously shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne. His performance drew comparisons to Eric Cantona's title-winning efforts in 1995-96, particularly regarding his ability to deliver results even when the team struggled offensively. However, this season, he has played every minute of United's six league games but has managed only three goals and one assist. All of these contributions came against Ipswich Town during the second match, which remains the side's sole victory so far.
While his goal tally is slightly higher than the opening six games of last term, the underlying metrics suggest a significant drop in effectiveness. Although Fernandes is taking more shots on average this season, his accuracy has plummeted, with only 0.8 shots on target per game, marking his joint-second lowest rate at Old Trafford. His chance creation average has also fallen to 2.5 per game, down from 4.0 last season. Most notably, he has created just one big chance all season, a sharp decline from his previous average of one per match.
The question remains whether Fernandes' diminished output is the primary cause of United's poor form or merely a symptom of wider tactical and structural problems. There have been reports regarding his physical condition, with Portugal national team manager Jorge Jesus noting that the midfielder was playing through pain during a recent Nations League fixture against Norway. Despite this, Fernandes returned for subsequent international duties and completed the full ninety minutes in a Champions League victory over Sabah FK.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has downplayed concerns about the captain's fitness ahead of their upcoming match against Atletico Madrid. Carrick stated that while carrying minor issues is not ideal, it is manageable and reflects Fernandes' commitment to the team. He noted that the midfielder appeared bright in training and was eager for the game, suggesting that physical ailments are not the primary driver of the statistical decline.
Tactical adjustments under Ruben Amorim may also be influencing Fernandes' performance. Last season, he operated in a deeper midfield role, which seemed to suit his playmaking abilities. The current setup appears to have reduced his influence in key areas of the pitch. Furthermore, the departure of veteran midfielder Casemiro and the ongoing injury issues surrounding striker Benjamin Sesko have left noticeable gaps in the squad. Casemiro's defensive stability allowed Fernandes to take risks without fear of being overrun on transitions, a safety net that is currently absent.
The absence of Sesko, who has scored nine league goals in 2026 and was frequently involved in Fernandes' assists last season, adds another layer of complexity. The club's decision not to bolster their striking options during the summer transfer window has left them without a reliable alternative. As United prepare for crucial fixtures, the interplay between individual performance and collective tactical coherence will likely determine whether they can arrest their downward trajectory or if this poor start signals deeper issues within the squad.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Is Man Utd's Fernandes issue a symptom or reason for their form?
