Everton take on Manchester United this weekend in the Premier League and key to getting anything will be to stop Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes has been a major thorn in Everton’s side since he came to England.
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A custom image showing Everton's recent results against Manchester United.
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
The Portuguese is still United’s best player, and he is once again having a solid season as the Red Devils seek to finish in the top four.
United have been resurgent since Michael Carrick took over as interim manager – and Fernandes will certainly be the big danger for Everton this week.
Bruno Fernandes’ record vs Everton will concern David Moyes
Fernandes has faced Everton 14 times in his career and in the majority of those games, he has provided some form of goal contributions.
He’s actually had a whopping 11 goal involvements so far, made up of six goals and five assists.
There is just something about facing Everton that Fernandes really seems to like.
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The Toffees are his second-most scored against opponent – the only team he’s scored more against is Aston Villa (7).
Bruno Fernandes playing for Manchester United.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Encouragingly for Everton though, Fernandes did not make an impact in the last meeting between the two sides back in November.
Indeed, the Manchester Evening News handed him a 4/10 rating for his performance, and said of him: “His passing was sloppy at times and he resorted to shooting from distance in an effort to get United back into the contest. Wasted a big chance from close range with 20 minutes remaining.”
Hopefully, he’ll have another off night on Monday.
But as Fernandes leads the way for big chances created this season i n the Premier League (18, Stat Muse), that may be unlikely.
Idrissa Gana Gueye could be tasked with shackling Fernandes
If Everton are going to take points against United, then it is paramount that Fernandes does not enjoy his usual level of influence.
The Portuguese is a chance creator and a goal threat at the same time, and Everton can ill-afford to let him take up dangerous positions.
Idrissa Gana Gueye playing for Everton.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Idrissa Gana Gueye is perhaps going to be the player tasked with keeping him quiet.
Gueye’s recent Everton form has not been great. But given the extended rest period for Everton, one would imagine David Moyes will start him at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
And if the veteran does get that show of faith, then a strong performance would be most welcome.
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