“This season he will not do differently” - Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag backs 30-year-old star to find his feet amidst poor form 

Manchester United have once again started the season in an inconsistent fashion, but the concerning aspect of their performances is the form of their captain Bruno Fernandes. Manager Erik ten Hag, however, remains confident that the Portuguese international will be back to his best sooner rather than later.

After suffering defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool, Manchester United appeared to turn a corner with a 3-0 victory over Southampton and a 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the EFL Cup. However, that momentum has since faltered, as they managed only draws against Crystal Palace (0-0) and FC Twente (1-1) in their following matches.

Bruno Fernandes, who has been a cornerstone of the team since Erik ten Hag’s arrival, has struggled to replicate his usual quality so far. His numbers certainly reflect a downward trend, as he has provided just one assist in the Premier League and is yet to score this season.

Despite these concerns regarding the 30-year-old’s form, Ten Hag has continued to show faith in his captain, starting him in all five of United’s Premier League games. The Dutchman emphasized his belief in Fernandes' quality, asserting that it is only a matter of time before he returns to his best.

“I think the team brings him now in the situation. I think he is capable, and he has proven this so many years already in the Premier League that he can create many chances. I am convinced this season he will not do differently. He will come and respond, he will find his form and he is already creating chances, but he will make final passes, he will score goals 100 percent and it’s just a matter of time," he said (via Football365).

Fernandes has been a standout performer for Manchester United, scoring 79 goals and providing 59 assists since his arrival in 2020. He also created the most chances in the Premier League (113) last season.

Erik ten Hag explains the reason behind Manchester United’s struggles

United have collectively improved this season compared to last, but the results have not gone their way. They currently sit 11th in the table ahead of their crucial match against fellow top-four contender Tottenham Hotspur.

Ten Hag has faced significant criticism but he pointed out that the problem for Manchester United lies in their lack of effectiveness in front of goal. Statistics support this claim, as the Red Devils rank third in expected goals (xG), trailing only Manchester City and Liverpool.

"Not scoring goals, not scoring goals enough. That’s the problem, the key area. We have to score more goals as a team. I think we have players across the team who have the ability to score. That’s clear. You see all the opportunities we are creating, we are not scoring enough,” Ten Hag said (via Mirror).

As questions arise about Ten Hag’s future, the upcoming fixtures are crucial for him to reverse the team’s fortunes. After their game against Tottenham, the Red Devils will face FC Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, October 4, followed by a clash against Aston Villa next week.