Not Bruno and Eriksen – Erik ten Hag has just discovered Manchester United’s most important partnership ahead of Wolves game
Man United have had a number of fantastic partnerships flourish over the years, and the current side has another vital duo.
Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke had a unique relationship when playing for Manchester United, scoring 53 goals together in 1998/99. Some thought the partnership would never be broken at Old Trafford, but then came Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, who wreaked havoc on Premier League defenses, and Sir Alex Ferguson had two of the world’s top players on his club.
The significance of these linkages in football cannot be overstated. Any successful squad has partnerships in all places across the pitch, and Erik ten Hag’s current team is additional evidence of that after an impressive campaign.
At center-back, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have a fantastic understanding, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Antony have an odd connection on the right despite the fact that the winger does not speak fluent English, and Bruno Fernandes’ relationship with Marcus Rashford is brilliantly effective.
Although the influence of the center-backs has been acclaimed, the relationship between Fernandes and Rashford may not have been as visible; yet, their understanding has been equally as vital as that of the first-choice center defenders, who are both currently sidelined.
After the Anfield catastrophe, Rashford stated of playing with Fernandes, “I love playing with Bruno, as you can imagine.” He’s the ideal player to work with. Even when he’s not captain, he’s been a solid leader for us, which is always a good indicator.
“He’s assisted other players in becoming better leaders, and the reality is that we can’t be an organized team with only one leader serving as captain.” He’s gone above and beyond for us. I can’t think of anything bad to say about Bruno. I wholeheartedly support him.”
Fernandes was widely chastised for his demeanor at the Anfield post-mortem, so Rashford’s steadfast backing was unsurprising. They are close on the field and both play important roles in the locker room.
Statistics back up the visual perception, as Fernandes has generated 34 chances for Rashford in the Premier League this season, which is more than any other player in the 2022/23 league.
If that statistic wasn’t amazing enough since this information was made available to Opta in 2006/07, that quantity (34 opportunities) has only been surpassed twice, highlighting the level at which the pair is operating together.
Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane currently hold the record for the most opportunities created by one player for another. Eriksen created 40 scoring chances for Harry Kane during Tottenham’s 2017/18 season, and that figure might be broken this season.
United have four league games left this season against Wolves, Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Fulham, and Fernandes and Rashford are guaranteed starters if they stay fit, so breaking the record is possible.
When at his best, Fernandes is one of the best-attacking midfielders in the world, and he’ll have a big say in whether United finishes in the top four. His inventiveness will be necessary, and his relationship with Rashford might be pivotal.
Rashford has only scored twice since the beginning of April, and his goals have begun to dry up, a potential that has been a worry all season, but if Fernandes continues to create good chances for him, he is likely to capitalize.
Whether or not the pair breaks the chances created record, their partnership has evolved this season.
Rashford was absolutely correct when he stated Fernandes is the ‘ideal player’ to walk out with.
