One player in particular has played more minutes than any other for Manchester United throughout the previous campaign.
Erik ten Hag’s team participated in 63 games across all competitions in just the previous season, which includes victories in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup final appearances, and Europa League quarterfinals.
According to recent FIFpro stats, Bruno Fernandes was the team’s most often-used player. During that period, the 29-year-old playmaker accumulated 6,666 minutes in 72 matches for both club and country.
This indicates that over the past year, Fernandes—who initially cost £47 million in 2020—has played the most football of any elite player in the globe.
Including Rashford in the top ten
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United was included among the top 10 players in terms of minutes played, according to the report. Manchester City under Pep Guardiola has four players in the lineup.
It should come as no surprise that the World Players’ Union has released this study. Ten Hag has made it known that United won’t be changing as much as they would have liked to because of the team’s cup runs in three different tournaments in addition to the Premier League.
Fernandes’ play has been inconsistent this season, but the squad is now more equipped than ever to bench him, give him a much-needed vacation, and lessen the problems that could arise from his lack of sleep.
Who might take Fernandes’ place?
If Ten Hag decides to rest Fernandes, he has a lot of options at his disposal.
Fernandes is unable to continue playing as many games for the Red Devils as he does. Last season, he played in 37 of the 38 Premier League games and 59 games for the Red Devils.
Favorite Hannibal Mejbri is starting to emerge as he has greatly pleased this season. Dion Dublin, an ex-professional, even stated this week that he thinks Hannibal is a better offensive midfielder than Fernandes.
The Tunisian midfielder ought to be the favorite to fill the number 10 position because he has already made numerous appearances this season. He is the most comparable alternative that United has because of his productivity and intensity.
Mason Mount, who has played for Chelsea and England, and Christian Eriksen are both capable of filling in at number ten. The Danish midfielder used to be a player for Tottenham in this capacity.
Amad, a young player with potential, played center for Sunderland while on loan last season. Once he recovers from his injury, he might be included.
Attacking midfield is a position where Manchester United has some depth, in contrast to the problematic full-back position, where the squad is without choices.
In the event that Fernandes’ need for a sabbatical is determined, United has plenty of options.