Season after season, Bruno Fernandes has topped the Manchester United charts for creating the most chances and scoring the most goals, but he now faces more of a challenge from his teammates.
Manchester United are sitting 10th in the Premier League table, with 18 points from 12 matches.
Everton beat United 1-0 last time out, but Ruben Amorim will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they travel to face Crystal Palace on Sunday.
None of United’s star players stood up and made a difference against Everton, so Amorim will be demanding an improved performance from his team at Selhurst Park.
Amorim may also make a series of changes to his team following such an underwhelming display, although he will be mindful of the fact that Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were both ruled out due to knocks.
There is a slim chance of Sesko returning at the weekend, but Cunha stands a better chance after sustaining a minor knock in training last week.
Bryan Mbeumo on the pitch against Everton
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Bryan Mbeumo surpasses Bruno Fernandes with creative spark
United have been heavily reliant on Bruno Fernandes since he joined the club from Sporting CP in January 2020.
Fernandes won United’s Player of the Year award for the fourth time last season, which helps explain how important he has been in recent years.
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However, Fernandes has been tasked to play in a deeper role under Amorim. It means that he spends less time trying to create chances in the final third, with his new role being far more disciplined.
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Fernandes plays alongside Casemiro in the double pivot, while Amorim prefers to start with Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha in the number 10 roles.
Mbeumo’s figures this season show that United’s new signing has completed more through balls than Fernandes this season, as well as more goals and a higher expected assist rate.
Topping the charts for most through balls, Mbeumo has 10 to his name this season, compared to eight from Fernandes.
Mbeumo has also recorded 2.9 expected assists, whereas Fernandes has 2.1.
Player Through Balls (Total) Expected Assists (xA)
Bryan Mbeumo 10 2.9
Bruno Fernandes 8 2.1
The Cameroon international is United’s top scorer this season with six goals to his name, but he will miss some of the games in December and January due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
That should give Fernandes a chance to catch up with Mbeumo.
Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes mixed results against Crystal Palace
United take on Palace this weekend when Mbeumo and Fernandes will be trying to build on a mixed record against the Eagles.
Fernandes has played against Palace 10 times in the Premier League, winning just three matches and scoring two goals.
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Manchester United FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League
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Meanwhile, Mbeumo has two wins for seven Premier League meetings, which include two goals and one assist.