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

Despite a difficult run of poor form, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag appears determined to maintain his faith in captain Bruno Fernandes ahead of their crucial Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur. While some may find this decision surprising, it reflects the complex situation United find themselves in as they attempt to recover from a turbulent season.

Manchester United’s season so far has been marred by frustration and underperformance, leaving the team outside the top ten in the Premier League. Their struggles in attack have been particularly glaring, with the side consistently failing to convert chances into goals, which has also hindered their European campaign. The recent 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford encapsulated these issues, as the Red Devils squandered their home advantage and extended their winless run in the Europa League.

To date, United have only managed to win three out of their eight games across all competitions. This poor form has exposed the team’s inability to dominate both domestically and in Europe. New signing Joshua Zirkzee has shown promise, particularly with his ability to link up play in the final third, but the former Bologna striker has yet to demonstrate the finishing touch needed to make a significant impact. The absence of Rasmus Hojlund due to injury has forced Ten Hag to rely heavily on Zirkzee, further highlighting United’s attacking frailties.

Among the many challenges, perhaps the most worrying for the 20-time English league champions is the dramatic dip in form from their captain, Bruno Fernandes. Once known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability, Fernandes has struggled this season. Despite leading the league in shot attempts, the Portuguese midfielder has yet to score, a stark contrast to his usual high standards.

Fernandes’ slump extends beyond just his lack of goals. His overall performance has been inconsistent, particularly in his passing, which has often lacked the accuracy that made him one of the league’s top playmakers. His decision-making has also come under scrutiny, as demonstrated during the Europa League draw at Old Trafford, where he attempted a speculative 40-yard shot in the final moments of added time, rather than passing to a teammate in a better position. The decision drew frustration from the home crowd, who saw it as a moment of desperation rather than a calculated risk.

Moreover, Fernandes’ frequent loss of possession has become a recurring issue, further aggravating United fans. His lack of composure in critical moments has contributed to the team’s struggles to control games, leaving them exposed to counter-attacks. This uncharacteristic drop in form has raised concerns not only among supporters but also within the club, as they rely heavily on Fernandes for leadership during this tough period.

Despite these ongoing concerns, Ten Hag seems unwilling to drop Fernandes for the upcoming match against Tottenham. The Dutch manager’s decision likely stems from a belief that Fernandes can rediscover his form and inspire the team, especially in such a high-stakes fixture. Ten Hag might also acknowledge that, even when off form, Fernandes’ presence—whether through his leadership or his potential to produce moments of brilliance—remains crucial to United’s success.

With pressure mounting on both Fernandes and Ten Hag, the Tottenham clash stands as a pivotal moment in United’s season. A strong result could spark a revival in form, boosting the team’s confidence and setting the stage for a turnaround. However, another poor performance could deepen the crisis at Old Trafford, raising further questions about Ten Hag’s tactics and Fernandes’ role in the team.

In the days ahead, much will hinge on whether Fernandes can step up, silence the doubters, and deliver a performance that showcases his undeniable talent. For now, Ten Hag’s decision to back his captain will be under close scrutiny, as United fans anxiously hope that their manager’s faith will be rewarded with a much-needed victory.