Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s creative maestro, has finally combined with the man signed to spearhead their attack for the future, Rasmus Hojlund. After weeks of limited service, Hojlund’s eagerness was palpable when Fernandes presented him with a golden opportunity on Wednesday. Hojlund’s 14th goal for United marked the first assist he has received from Fernandes, the team’s captain and driving force.
Fernandes’ own performance was equally impressive, with two goals to add to his tally of 26 goals and assists this season. His absence would leave a gaping hole in United’s attacking prowess, a testament to his indispensable role. Despite never missing a game due to injury in his four years at the club, Fernandes has accumulated an astonishing 143 goals and assists in 229 games, a remarkable feat amidst a team that has faced its fair share of struggles.
United’s reliance on Fernandes’ consistent brilliance cannot be sustained indefinitely. While Marcus Rashford’s resurgence last season was impressive, his 30-goal haul proved to be an exceptional performance rather than a steady trend. The goalscoring burden must be shared among the team, a shift that is gradually taking place this season. Hojlund is the frontrunner to become the long-term solution at center-forward.
Anthony Martial’s unconvincing stint as United’s No. 9 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s return, while providing goals, disrupted the team’s equilibrium and lacked a long-term vision. In Hojlund, United have a player whose prime years lie ahead. The 21-year-old has navigated some challenging periods in his debut Premier League season, but his growth has been evident.
Martial’s fitness issues have thrust Hojlund into a leading role, forcing him to spearhead a team that has often underperformed. His brilliance in the Champions League group stages and unstoppable form from Boxing Day to mid-February highlighted his potential. However, inconsistency has occasionally hindered his impact on games.
In recent weeks, United’s goal threat has improved, but creating chances for their £72 million striker has remained a challenge. That changed when Fernandes’ deft touch found Hojlund in space just six yards from goal against Sheffield United. Hojlund made no mistake, demonstrating his keen eye for goal.
Of his 14 United goals, seven have come from within six yards. He is not merely a poacher, but his ability to anticipate opportunities sets him apart from strikers like Martial and Rashford, who often drift away from goal. The average distance of Hojlund’s goals this season is just over eight yards out, indicating his knack for seizing chances in close proximity.
His teammates are becoming increasingly aware of Hojlund’s positional tendencies, recognizing his presence in the box and waiting for opportunities to arise. The onus is on them to supply him with passes. Fernandes, United’s master creator, is the ideal candidate for this role.
This was only the second time Fernandes has been directly involved in a Hojlund goal, having also provided the corner that led to his strike against Aston Villa in February. This partnership is ripe for further development.
While United may pursue another striker in the summer, Hojlund is likely to maintain his status as the first-choice forward. Fernandes’ role in the team remains unchallenged. Their first successful combination should mark the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership that will bolster Manchester United’s attacking capabilities.
