Erik ten Hag is unlikely to bench Bruno Fernandes for Tottenham’s match, despite his poor form.

Despite a challenging period of poor performance, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag seems resolute in his support for captain Bruno Fernandes as they approach a crucial Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur. While some might find this choice unexpected, it highlights the complex predicament United faces as they strive to bounce back from a difficult season.

Manchester United’s campaign thus far has been plagued by disappointment and underachievement, leaving them outside the Premier League’s top ten. Their attacking woes have been particularly prominent, with the team consistently failing to convert opportunities into goals, adversely affecting their European efforts. The recent 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford illustrated these problems, as the Red Devils wasted their home advantage and extended their winless streak in the Europa League.

So far, United has managed to secure only three wins from their eight matches across all competitions. This lack of success has revealed their struggles to assert dominance both domestically and in Europe. New signing Joshua Zirkzee has shown potential, especially in his ability to connect plays in the attacking third, but the former Bologna striker has yet to exhibit the finishing ability needed to make a real impact. The injury absence of Rasmus Hojlund has led Ten Hag to rely more on Zirkzee, further exposing United’s offensive weaknesses.

Among the numerous challenges, the significant decline in form from their captain, Bruno Fernandes, is perhaps the most concerning for the 20-time English league champions. Once recognized for his creativity and goal-scoring prowess, Fernandes has had a difficult season. Despite leading the league in shot attempts, the Portuguese midfielder has not yet found the net, a sharp departure from his usual high standards.

Fernandes’ struggles extend beyond merely failing to score. His overall performance has been erratic, particularly regarding his passing, which has often lacked the precision that established him as one of the league’s premier playmakers. His decision-making has also faced criticism, as seen during the Europa League draw at Old Trafford when he opted for a speculative 40-yard shot in the dying moments instead of passing to a teammate in a better position. This choice frustrated the home crowd, who perceived it as an act of desperation rather than a calculated risk. Additionally, Fernandes’ frequent loss of possession has become a recurring problem, exacerbating frustrations among United supporters. His lack of composure in critical situations has hampered the team’s ability to maintain control, leaving them vulnerable to counter-attacks. This unusual decline in performance has raised concerns not only among fans but also within the club, which heavily relies on Fernandes for leadership during these trying times.

Despite these persistent issues, Ten Hag appears reluctant to bench Fernandes for the upcoming match against Tottenham. The Dutch manager likely believes that Fernandes can regain his form and inspire the team, particularly in such a critical fixture. Ten Hag may also recognize that, even when not at his best, Fernandes’ presence—whether through leadership or potential moments of brilliance—remains essential to United’s success.

As pressure mounts on both Fernandes and Ten Hag, the clash with Tottenham represents a crucial juncture in United’s season. A solid performance could ignite a revival, enhancing the team’s confidence and paving the way for improvement. Conversely, another lackluster showing could intensify the crisis at Old Trafford, prompting further questions about Ten Hag’s strategies and Fernandes’ role.

In the upcoming days, much will depend on whether Fernandes can rise to the occasion, quiet the critics, and deliver a performance that highlights his undeniable talent. For now, Ten Hag’s choice to support his captain will face close examination, as United fans anxiously hope their manager’s trust will lead to a vital victory.