Not a strange tactic, not a steel defense system, Bruno Fernandes itself is the biggest difference that helps Manchester United beat Athletic Bilbao with a score of 3-0 at San Mames in the semi-final first leg of the Europa League 2024/25.
The double goal and the comprehensive play of the Portuguese midfielder created a remarkable influence, brought the “Red Devils” to the final, and continued to become the number one expectation in the second leg at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes is not just a scorer, he is the center of every attack. With 81 touches, 80%accurate pass rates, 3 decisive passes, 1 great opportunity to create, 6 crosses (4 accurate), Bruno has shown an exemplary performance as the conductor in Spain.
He not only operates wide across the pitch but also in charge of the rotation, dispute and putting pressure on the opponent’s defense.
In fact, the absence of the pillars on the side of Bilbao such as Inaki Williams, Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet made the Basque team missing the mutant. But despite the strongest force, it is difficult for them to prevent Bruno Fernandes in their current form.
Coach Ruben Amorim affirmed: “Not only because of the numbers, but the way he plays football. He is a top player and we need such players. Bruno is the captain, the leader. Of course the other teams want him – but we want to keep Bruno back.”
Amorim has a reason to protect the student in the middle of the rumor that al-Hilal is ready to spend 115 million pounds to bring Bruno Fernandes to Saudi Arabia. Because without Bruno, Man Utd will almost lose the soul in the game.
This season, the Portuguese midfielder has scored 27 goals in the Europa League (equal to Romelu Lukaku, only behind Aubameyang and Falcao), and led the list of assists in the history of the tournament with 18 times.
It is no coincidence that despite the erratic performance in the Premier League, Man United still maintains the unbeaten circuit in the Europa League (8 wins, 5 draws) and has never lost at Old Trafford during the last 11 matches in this arena.
In this context, Bruno is the pillar of the beat, inspiring, and directly bringing the goals or creating decisions.
In the second leg, although Athletic Bilbao will definitely put all his efforts to find a goal, but before a Bruno Fernandes is at the peak of his style and bravery, the opportunity of La Liga representative is very fragile.
With the 3-4-2-1 system operated optimally by Amorim, Bruno will continue to play the role of 10 left-the position that allows him to move freely, connect the middle and the attack, creating mutations from any area.
Man United is facing a great opportunity to win tickets to the final and towards the first European title since 2017. If that happens, the name Bruno Fernandes will certainly be indispensable in every glorious story mentioned.
