Manchester United Player Ratings: Bruno Fernandes Shines Against Viktoria Plzen
Manchester United cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory against Viktoria Plzen in their Europa League group stage encounter. While the overall team performance was solid, some players shone brighter than others. This article will delve into individual performances, focusing specifically on Bruno Fernandes's contribution and comparing it to the rest of the squad.
Bruno Fernandes: A Masterclass in Midfield
Bruno Fernandes, once again, proved to be the creative heartbeat of the Manchester United midfield. His vision, passing accuracy, and leadership were instrumental in dictating the tempo of the game. He was constantly involved in the build-up play, orchestrating attacks with his incisive passes and intelligent movement.
Key Contributions:
- Goal Contribution: While he didn't score himself, his through ball leading to the first goal demonstrated his ability to unlock tight defenses. His creative play consistently put pressure on the Viktoria Plzen backline.
- Creative Passing: Fernandes's passing range was exceptional, switching play effectively and finding teammates with pinpoint accuracy. His ability to pick out passes under pressure was a key element in maintaining United's dominance.
- Work Rate: Beyond the creative aspects, Fernandes displayed commendable work rate, tracking back to support his defense and pressing high up the pitch. His tireless effort set the tone for the team.
Other Notable Performances:
While Bruno Fernandes undoubtedly stood out, several other players delivered impressive performances:
Casemiro: Defensive Solidity
Casemiro provided his usual defensive stability in midfield. His tactical awareness, discipline, and ball-winning ability were vital in neutralizing Viktoria Plzen's attacking threats. His presence allowed the more attacking players to focus on their creative roles.
Antony: Exciting Potential
Antony showcased flashes of brilliance, demonstrating his pace, dribbling skills, and crossing ability. While he might not have found the back of the net, his contribution to the attacking play was noticeable, showing promising potential for the future.
Christian Eriksen: Orchestrating the Attack
Eriksen complemented Fernandes's creativity with his own skillful passing and intelligent movement. His ability to link midfield and attack was crucial in generating scoring opportunities. His passing accuracy and composure under pressure were vital assets.
Players Needing Improvement:
Not every player reached the same high standard as the aforementioned individuals. Some areas need improvement:
- Finishing: While chances were created, the conversion rate could have been significantly better. A more clinical edge in front of goal is needed for greater consistency.
- Defensive Solidity (Certain Defenders): While Casemiro excelled, there were moments where the overall defensive line could have been more organized and compact.
Conclusion: A Victory Built on Collective Effort
While Bruno Fernandes's performance was undoubtedly outstanding, Manchester United's victory against Viktoria Plzen was a result of a strong team effort. The collective performance, with notable contributions from Casemiro, Antony, and Eriksen, highlighted the growing strength and balance within the squad. However, consistently improving finishing and maintaining defensive solidity will be key to achieving long-term success. The manager will be pleased with the overall performance, but will surely be keen to see his team continue to improve in all areas of their game.