Bruno Fernandes’ two assists for Manchester United against Crystal Palace came from set-pieces, and the goals required excellent finishes to be scored.
Usually topping all the creativity statistics in the Premier League, this season, Bruno Fernandes‘ deeper position has resulted in the Portuguese midfielder having less time around the box.
So his five assists for Manchester United in the league have come primarily from set-pieces, as he is usually too deep to make an impact in open play.
Fernandes has been used deeper for United, but fans are instead keen for the club captain to be utilised further up the pitch.
Due to playing deeper, Fernandes has now been overtaken by a teammate as United’s most creative player this season.
Amad and Bryan Mbeumo celebrate together for Manchester United.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Amad now ranked as Manchester United’s number one open play creator
So while Fernandes leads the way in assists for United this summer, it is heavily skewed in terms of his set-piece creation.
What is Bruno Fernandes’ best position for Manchester United?
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This can be seen as Statman Dave has revealed Amad is leading the way within the club for chances created from open play this season per 90 with 1.73.
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It is quite impressive that Amad ranks so highly when he plays as a wing-back, while the only players with more on average are Jack Grealish and Cody Gakpo.
Amad is Amorim’s ideal wing-back and is an example of what the club needs to try and replicate on the other flank going forward to hand the Red Devils an attack that is balanced and deadly on both sides.
Manchester United will miss Amad more than Bryan Mbeumo
This month, United are set for the blow of AFCON and the three African players from the club who will be heading off to the tournament within the next 10 days.
Who will be Manchester United’s most important attacking player when Mbeumo and Amad depart for the AFCON?
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring for Manchester United vs Liverpool.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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United are able to keep Amad and Bryan Mbeumo longer than expected, but their departures will still be felt at a key point in the season, with tough games coming up.
Mbeumo will be a big miss, however, in his place, United can integrate Shea Lacey or play Matheus Cunha. However, Amad is a one-of-a-kind player for United right now, with no other right-wing-back options offering the same attacking threat.
United have really struggled without Amad in this position, and so he will be the bigger loss for the club over the next two months or so.
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