{"id":1363503,"date":"2024-09-14T14:48:43","date_gmt":"2024-09-14T13:48:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1363503"},"modified":"2024-09-14T15:14:57","modified_gmt":"2024-09-14T14:14:57","slug":"bruno-fernandes-midfield-man-utd-southampton-dibling","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/bruno-fernandes-midfield-man-utd-southampton-dibling\/","title":{"rendered":"Bruno Fernandes’ return to midfield role helps Man Utd in win over Southampton"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Bruno Fernandes of old was on display as Manchester United<\/a> beat Southampton<\/a> 3-0 as the Premier League<\/a> returned this weekend.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fernandes had a slightly rough start to the season with regards to goal contributions. He failed to score or assist in any of Man Utd’s first three Premier League matches.<\/p>\n

But it wasn’t his fault. Fernandes was being played out of position in Man Utd’s opening two games, starting up front in the absence of Rasmus Hojlund — and Erik ten Hag slowly bedding Joshua Zirkzee into the lineup.<\/p>\n

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After three games, Fernandes did still lead Man Utd for shots (eight) and had the joint-most efforts on target (three). But his creativity took a hit. The 30-year-old created three chances in total, with all three coming in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton.<\/p>\n

Against Liverpool<\/a> before the international break, Fernandes was dropped back to his No.10 role but Man Utd as a whole struggled now.<\/p>\n

But against Southampton, Fernandes was allowed to flex his muscles. And it’s no surprise that Man Utd reaped the rewards.<\/p>\n

The Red Devils had actually started under pressure with Southampton looking the more threatening, particularly in Tyler Dibling’s battle with Diogo Dalot. A key moment came in the 30th minute when Dibling was brought down by Dalot in the box.<\/p>\n

A chance for Southampton to take the lead, Cameron Archer took responsibility. But the 22-year-old effort was poor, as was his rebound strike, both saved by Andre Onana.<\/p>\n

Five minutes later, Man Utd were ahead and Fernandes was involved. It came through a short corner, taking to Fernandes. With Southampton struggling to rejig their line in the box, Fernandes floated a delicious ball to the back post. Matthijs de Ligt beat a poor offside line to put Man Utd ahead with his first goal for the club.<\/p>\n

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Manchester United are now unbeaten in their last 15 PL games vs. Southampton, their last 13 PL away games vs. Southampton and in all seven of their PL games against promoted sides under Erik ten Hag. <\/p>\n

A crucial penalty save from Andre Onana was key for another three points at\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/rESYBV79GI<\/a><\/p>\n

— Squawka (@Squawka) September 14, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n