The UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers started on March 23, 2023 and will conclude on March 26, 2024. 

Organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying tournament will determine the 23 UEFA member men's national teams that will join the automatically qualified host team Germany in the UEFA Euro 2024 main tournament.

The 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship is scheduled to be held in 10 venues in Germany from June 14 to July 14 next year.

As many as 53 teams are currently competing in the Euro 2024 qualifying tournament. These participating teams have been divided into 10 groups, with seven groups comprising five teams and three groups featuring six teams.  

According to the format, the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers are being played in a home-and-away, round-robin format on double matchdays in March, June, September, October, and November 2023. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the final tournament.

After the conclusion of the qualifying group stage, the remaining three teams will be decided through the play-offs, to be held in March 2024. 

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Maksim Samorodov scored the first goal in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying tournament against Slovenia in their Group H clash on matchday 1. 

Despite Maksim’s early strike in the 23rd minute, Kazakhstan went down to Slovenia 1-2 at the Astana Arena in Kazakhstan.

Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo, France talisman Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland of Norway have been the leading goalscorers in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying tournament so far.

Here’s a look at the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers top-scorers list:

UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers top scorers list

Player	Team	Matches played	Goals
Romelu Lukaku	Belgium	7	10
Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	7	9
Harry Kane	England	6	7
Rasmus Højlund	Denmark	8	7
Zeki Amdouni	Switzerland	7	6
Erling Haaland	Norway	5	5
Kylian Mbappé	France	6	6
Scott McTominay	Scotland	6	6
Giorgos Masouras	Greece	7	5
Aleksandar Mitrović	Serbia	6	5

Photo credit: Alamy

Manchester United welcomes Sevilla for the first leg of their Europa League 2022-23 quarter-final on Friday, April 14. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 AM IST.

The Red Devils will be eager to claim the win against Sevilla in front of their home support at Old Trafford, Manchester ahead of the second leg next week.

MUN vs SEV Dream11 prediction for Europa League 2022-23

Manchester United is currently fourth in the Premier League with 56 points from 29 games, while Sevilla find themselves in 13th spot in La Liga having accumulated 32 points from 28 matches.

Despite recent form being in favour of the English giants, Sevilla - who are the most successful team in Europa League history with six titles - will fancy their chances of progressing in the competition.

They have met United thrice in Europe in the past, winning twice and drawing once. However, United will back themselves to get the better of Sevilla and are more likely to come away with a win from the upcoming clash between these teams. 

MUN vs SEV Dream11 team tips for Europa League 2022-23

Top tip: Best forward - Anthony Martial

In the absence of an injured Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial is likely to spearhead United’s attack. Martial, who was on loan at Sevilla, will fancy finding the back of the net against his former teammates having also scored in his last outing of the bench for United. Only just back from injury himself, Martial - who has managed seven goals and two assists this season - could prove to be a smart differentiator in your fantasy football team.

Top tip: Best midfielder - Bruno Fernandes

A constant at the centre of the park for United this season, expect Bruno Fernandes to have a big say on the outcome of this contest. A creative player capable of unlocking defences in the blink of an eye, Fernandes has scored against Sevilla in United’s colours in the past and he’ll fancy making a difference. He has 10 goals and 12 assists this season, which should be reason enough for you to have him in your fantasy football team.

Top tip: Best defender - Jesus Navas

A winger turned fullback, expect Jesus Navas to express himself while bombing forward from the wide areas. Navas has proven that he can hold his own in defence against explosive attacks in the past and he is likely to be in for another busy night at Old Trafford. He’s provided four assists this season, which highlights his ability to score fantasy points both through his attacking and defensive skills.

Top tip: Best goalkeeper - Marko Dmitrovic

While Marko Dmitrovic hasn’t always been Sevilla’s first-choice goalkeeper this season, he seems to have made the position his own of late. A good shot-stopper who loves one-on-ones, Dmitrovic can expect to be kept busy by United attackers, meaning the more he thwarts them would lead to you getting more fantasy points. In 16 starts this season, he’s conceded just eight times and kept 10 clean sheets.

Photo credits: Alamy

One of the biggest fixtures in the English football calendar, Liverpool are all set to square off against Manchester United in the Premier League 2022-23 on Sunday, March 5. The match will kick off at Anfield from 10:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).

The two of the most decorated teams in English football will be raring to get one over the other when they square off in this clash. The earlier fixture between these two teams in the league this season at Old Trafford ended in a 2-1 win for Manchester United.

The two sides have met 238 times across all competitions with United boasting a superior head-to-head in matches between the teams with 90 wins. Liverpool have emerged on top in 80 matches while 68 encounters between the teams have ended in draws.

LIV vs MUN Dream11 prediction for Premier League 2022-23

While form doesn’t count for much in this fixture, there’s no doubting the fact that United will head into this match with momentum on their side. The Red Devils currently find themselves in third position in the standings with 49 points after 24 games. 

Liverpool, on the other hand, are in sixth spot in the standings 10 points adrift of United  having claimed 39 points after 24 matches. They will have the backing of the home crowd on Sunday and will know that the visitors haven’t enjoyed the best of times at their ground in recent years. 

United’s last win at Anfield came in 2016 in the league. However, they will be confident of getting something from this contest, which means the smart money on this game could be put on a draw between the teams.

LIV vs MUN Dream11 team tips for Premier League 2022-23

Top tip: Best forward - Marcus Rashford

The in-form player in world football at the moment, English forward Marcus Rashford is enjoying his best-ever campaign so far having scored 25 goals and provided nine assists in all competitions. He scored the winner against Liverpool when they met earlier this season and will be confident of being on the scoresheet once again, making him a wise forward pick for your football fantasy team.

Top tip: Best midfielder - Bruno Fernandes

Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes has gone from strength to strength as the season has progressed. He has been at the heart of everything good for United, notching up seven goals and 11 assists along the way. Fernandes�?ability to unlock defences and pick out key passes makes him a no-brainer for the midfield spot in your football fantasy team.

Top tip: Best defender - Luke Shaw

A defensively sound option, Luke Shaw is enjoying a fine season for the Red Devils. He’s robust at the back and will be hoping to earn a clean sheet against Liverpool having been a part of a cohesive backline for United which has produced quite a few shutouts in recent times. A threat in attack as well, Shaw has one goal and four assists from the back this season.

Top tip: Best goalkeeper - Alisson Becker

In goal, Liverpool’s Alisson Becker makes for a prudent option for your fantasy football team. He’s a great shot-stopper and has already pulled off several spectacular saves in the ongoing campaign. Alisson is likely to be under the cosh against United’s attackers, meaning his saves could help you earn a lot of fantasy points.

 

Photo credits: Alamy

English footballer James Milner and former Portugal forward Luis Figo share the record for most assists in a single UEFA Champions League season, with nine assists.

Milner, who joined Liverpool in 2015, achieved the feat in the first leg of the 2017-18 Champions League semi-final against AS Roma, when Roberto Firmino headed his 69th-minute corner kick past now Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker to make the score 5-0.

Most assists in a single #UCL campaign:

17/18 - James Milner [9]
16/17 - Neymar [8]
13/14 - Wayne Rooney [8]
21/22 - Bruno Fernandes [7]*

Going for the record. pic.twitter.com/FvXg8Y3PAa

�?Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 23, 2022

The Englishman matched Luis Figo’s tally of assists which the Portuguese great first achieved in the 1999-00 season. As per transfermarkt.co.uk, Figo racked up nine assists in 13 matches for FC Barcelona in the campaign and repeated it in the following season - nine assists in 14 games - while representing Real Madrid.

Neymar and Wayne Rooney sit joint-second on the list for most assists in a single UEFA Champions League campaign with eight assists.

Rooney, Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, notched eight assists in the 2013-14 Champions League campaign.

Neymar matched Wayne Rooney’s record in the 2016-17 season, when he provided eight assists for FC Barcelona. The Brazilian played a role in four goals in the Blaugrana’s 7-0 win over Celtic, and it remains one of his best performances in the competition.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes notched his seventh UCL assist in a single campaign in the ongoing 2021-22 campaign, when his 80th-minute pass enabled Anthony Elanga to equalise for the Red Devils in their 1-1 first leg draw against Atletico Madrid.

6 - Bruno Fernandes is the first player in Champions League history to assist in six consecutive appearances while playing for an English club, breaking the record held by David Beckham (for @ManUtd) since 1998. Creator. pic.twitter.com/y92qBMZas8

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 23, 2022

By doing so, Bruno also set a new record as the first player in Champions League history to assist in six consecutive games for an English club. 

Furthermore, the Portuguese playmaker’s tally of seven assists puts him joint-third on the list for most assists in a single UEFA Champions League campaign alongside Roberto Firmino (2017-18), Ryan Giggs (2006-07), Zlatan Ibrahimović (2012-13) and Xavi Hernández (2008-09).

Most assists in a single UEFA Champions League campaign

Player	Assists	Season
Luis Figo	9	1999-00, 2000-01
James Milner		2017-18
Wayne Rooney	8	2013-14
Neymar		2016-17
Ryan Giggs	7	2006-07
Xavi Hernández		2008-09
Zlatan Ibrahimović		2012-13
Roberto Firmino		2017-18
Bruno Fernandes*		2021-22

*indicates an active player who could break the record

Author: William Paul

Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates from the world of sports!

Interested in football betting? Click here to check out the list of top sites.

Featured photo: AFP / PETER BYRNE

A Manchester Derby is a classic fixture that carries a story-telling purpose and is an exhibition of talent that skyrockets Premier League football’s base value.

Currently on a 21-game unbeaten run across all competitions, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has established a 14-point lead over bitter rivals Manchester United. The Cityzens are also on a streak of 15 straight Premier League wins, a stark contrast to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men, who have drawn six of their last 10 Premier League matches.

While City have a full-fledged team at their disposal, the Red Devils will be without primary custodian David De Gea, midfielder Paul Pogba and striker Edinson Cavani.

To accommodate the best players from the Manchester teams into our combined XI, we have placed players in a 4-1-2-3 formation.

GK: Ederson

Suppose one has to compare Manchester City’s Ederson and Manchester United’s David De Gea, the obvious answer would be that the Brazilian custodian stands out with a better record between the sticks.

Ederson leads the race for the Golden Glove with 15 clean sheets, and with Dean Henderson confirmed to take De Gea’s place for the Manchester Derby, one ought to keep a close eye on how Ederson continues his spectacular run as the league’s top goalkeeper.

LB: Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw has been one of the most improved players for Manchester United this season, and his performances over the last few game weeks - four assists in his previous six games - earned him the Player of the month award for February.

CB: John Stones

Having been in the shadows in the last two seasons, English defender John Stones has become an irreplaceable player in Pep Guardiola’s matchday playing XI. The 26-year-old has been a part of 10 clean sheets since game week 10 and has contributed three goals in the process.

CB: Ruben Dias

Like Stones, Portuguese center-half Ruben Dias has been a prominent face in City’s matchday squads having played all but one game. With a 63% tackle success rate, Dias has registered 106 recoveries while winning 90 duels and 51 aerial battles. If anything, Guardiola will entrust him to restrict the movements of young winger Mason Greenwood.

RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a key component of Manchester United’s gameplay from the right flank, forming a close partnership with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood. Although his ball distribution is a bit of a concern, the 23-year-old’s quick-paced runs and ability to retract in the defense from offensive gameplay is sure to give City’s left-back major issues.

CDM: Rodri

Without a doubt, Spain’s Rodri is the best player suited for the central defensive midfielder role, given his returns are better than that of the United trio of Scott McTominay, Fred, and Nemanja Matic. Rodri has averaged 81.24 passes per game while registering a tackle success rate of 60%, which is significantly greater than McTominay’s record of 36.57 passes per game and a tackle success rate of 44%.

CM: Kevin de Bruyne

Despite being injured for a large portion of the 2020-21 Premier League season, Kevin de Bruyne has been a significant contributor to Manchester City’s spectacular form. The Belgian, who has made 21 appearances in the English top-flight league this term, has 11 assists so far and aims to get back on the scoresheet once again, having played a role in just one goal since returning from a hamstring injury. 

CM: Bruno Fernandes

If one has to pick out Manchester United’s Player of the Season, it has to be Bruno Fernandes. Since his transfer last January, the Portuguese has been a revelation for the Red Devils with 23 goals and 17 assists to his name, and despite enduring a topsy-turvy season, the 26-year-old has stacked 15 goals and 10 assists.

Bruno has one assist in three meetings with Manchester City, and will look to hit his first goal against the runaway leaders.

RW: Riyad Mahrez

Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez has hit form in his last four games, with two goals and two assists, and manager Pep Guardiola expects the 30-year-old to give United’s Luke Shaw a torrid time in the upcoming Manchester Derby.

Blessed with incredible pace and creativity, Riyad Mahrez is tasked to give the hosts an early lead while setting up impressive gameplay in and around the opposition box.

ST: Sergio Aguero

Long-serving striker Sergio Aguero will enter his 14th Manchester Derby in the Premier League, to break Wayne Rooney’s record of 11 derby goals. The Argentine attacker has featured just six times this term, with much of his time out injured and spending the entirety of January in quarantine for testing positive.

With rumors circling that Aguero’s days are numbered at the Etihad Stadium, the 32-year-old will be keen to silence them with a performance that consolidates his status as a Cityzen legend. 

LW: Raheem Sterling

In terms of scoring ability, Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford are almost on par, but it is the latter who has been slightly better. But, what sets Sterling apart is his consistency in goal contributions.

Raheem Sterling’s versatility in the attacking third is something that will cause trouble for United’s Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, and Pep Guardiola will bank on this tactic to dent the neighbour’s hopes to trim down City’s 14-point lead.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Shaun Botterill

Manchester United took a massive hit in their Premier League title challenge after Carlo Ancelotti's Everton managed to hold the Red Devils to an exciting 3-3 draw. The Toffees, in fact, drew the game through Dominic Calvert-Lewin in what was the final kick of the game. 

Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer's men started slow, but went into a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes. Edinson Cavani opened the scoring through a fantastic header off Marcus Rashford's cross and then came the moment of magic. Receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty box, roughly 20 yards from goal, and lobbed in a fantastic curling ball into the back of the net. The ball went over Everton keeper Robin Olsen and Fernandes got his 13th goal of the season.

Edinson Cavani, Bruno Fernandes , Doucoure, James Rodriguez, Scott McTominay & Dominic Calvert-Lewin Goals | Man United vs Everton | Feb 6, 2021 #MUNEVE pic.twitter.com/200T196SaJ

�?CB (@CB78397568) February 7, 2021

The Portuguese international has been at Manchester United for just over a year and has scored 21 league goals already. Bruno Fernandes stats have been unbelievable, to say the least. Since his debut in the league, only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah has scored more goals than the Manchester United midfielder.

Bruno Fernandes' game by numbers vs. Everton:

85% passing accuracy
78 touches
7 crosses
6 ball recoveries
4 shots
3 chances created
2 fouls won
1/1 aerials won
1 goal

A stunner of a strike. pic.twitter.com/CmLHIkrMgP

�?Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 6, 2021

While it wasn't the kind of result he and his Manchester United teammates were hoping for, the midfielder was rightly praised on the social, and especially by the former United striker Robin van Persie, who wrote, "Bruno Fernandes ladies & gentleman. What a joy to watch him play! Just wondering... how many goals for RvP with him in midfield."

Bruno Fernandes ladies & gentleman what a joy to watch him play! Just wondering... how many goals for RvP with him in midfield..?

�?Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) February 6, 2021

That Bruno Fernandes- goal is art.....

Technique is Silicon Valley

�?Jan Aage Fjortoft ️�? (@JanAageFjortoft) February 6, 2021

Bruno Fernandes has scored 4 Premier League goals from outside of the box since making his competition debut, only James Wars-Prowse has scored more [5] in that timeframe.

Impressive for a guy who only scores penalties. pic.twitter.com/DKd1q97uqE

�?Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 6, 2021

21 - Since his Premier League debut, only Mohamed Salah (22) has scored more goals in the competition than Bruno Fernandes (21), with the Portuguese scoring more goals against Everton than any other side in that time (4). Glorious. #MUNEVE

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 6, 2021

Bruno was about to cross that ball then thought “Oh well! I am Bruno Fernandes �?/p>

�?Ugbedeojo (@Certifiedopeboi) February 6, 2021

Bruno Fernandes has been a better player than Kevin de Bruyne this season. Facts only

�?Gabby®�? (@Franklaar1) February 6, 2021

I’m genuinely speechless at the things Bruno Fernandes does at United. Who cares if he sometimes loses the ball... ☕️

What. A. Signing. #MUFC

�?Haider Rubbani ⚽️ (@Haider_Rubbani) February 6, 2021

What a beauty from Bruno Fernandes.. They'll say it was a long range penalty

�?Dr. Hausakoko (@sir_virgi69) February 6, 2021

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Michael Regan

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United put nine goals past a helpless Southampton on Tuesday as the Red Devils equalled their English Premier League record victory from 1995 against Ipswich Town.

The annihilation started in as early as the second minute when Southampton's 19-year-old Alex Jankewitz was sent off for a rugged challenge on Scott McTominay. He became only the fourth player in Premier League's history to be sent off within two minutes of kick-off.

United, on their part, took full advantage, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani and Jan Bednarek’s own goal making it 4-0 in the first half itself. 

4 - Man Utd have scored four goals in the first half of a Premier League game for the second time this season, also doing so against Leeds. It's the first time they've scored 4+ goals in the first half of two games in a season since 1997/98 under Sir Alex Ferguson. Emphatic. pic.twitter.com/TRj0qXXCtO

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 2, 2021

2 - Luke Shaw has as many Premier League assists in the first half against Southampton as he managed in his previous 45 Premier League appearances (2). Delivery. pic.twitter.com/qnkOII9PFK

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 2, 2021

Solskjaer made two changes by the stroke of half-time, replacing an in-form Luke Shaw, who provided two assists, and Edinson Cavani by Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial. United continued their rampage as Martial scored twice before Bednarek was dismissed for a late challenge on the Frenchman. Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, finally found himself amongst goals for the first time in five league games. The Portuguese not only scored a goal but also got two assists.

15 - Only Eric Cantona and Dimitri Payet (both 33 games) have assisted 15 Premier League goals in fewer appearances than Bruno Fernandes, with tonight his 36th appearance in the competition. Provider. pic.twitter.com/YOelZkXSp5

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 2, 2021

United were at their absolute best at Old Trafford, pouncing on every given opportunity. As far as Solskjaer is concerned, he has often been compared to his predecessors, and this win over the Saints proves why he has been United's best manager since Sir Alex Ferguson. The Red Devils had scored 5+ goals on just two occasions under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho. They have done this a whopping eight times under Solskjaer.

A nine-goal routing means United have already scored 46 goals in the league. Only Inter [49], PSG [50] & Bayern Munich [57] have scored more goals than them across Europe's top-five leagues. Manchester United had as many as seven different goalscorers on the night and this is only the second time that a team had these many scorers since Chelsea vs Aston Villa in December 2012.

Manchester United's next opponent in EPL fixtures is Carlo Ancelotti's Everton; a team that United have already beaten twice this season.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Phil Noble

The exhausting schedule of the English Premier League continues to add pressure, as we approach the matchweek 21 of the competition. At the Indian shores, the Indian Super League keeps up with the journey with another round of exciting fixtures.

As has been the case this season, the unpredictability of both the leagues will make it hard for the punters, but the following statistics might help you in one way or the other. 

Arsenal vs Manchester United

Arsenal taking on Manchester United always produces firepower. After a rather blip in form, the Gunners enter the game on the back of a six-match unbeaten run in the league. They have won five and have drawn one. Manchester United, on the other hand, saw their 13-match unbeaten league run come to an end when they lost 2-1 to Sheffield United on Wednesday.

One can rightly expect goals in the match given the fact that their last 0-0 draw dates back to February 12, 2014. Furthermore, the Red Devils haven’t defeated Arsenal since April 2018 in the league. Since then, they have lost three and have drawn twice. Given their current form both the team are in, you can punt on a draw, to say the least.

Player to watch: Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes might have dismissed all the talks of fatigue and tiredness, but the fact remains that he has failed to score or assist in each of his last four Premier League appearances. But well, that’s the standard he has set for himself. 

Bruno Fernandes has now failed to score or assist in each of his last four Premier League appearances.

�?vs Burnley
�?vs Liverpool
�?vs Fulham
�?vs Sheffield United

At least someone else will win Player of the Month. pic.twitter.com/rL3jxOM1Kh

�?Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 27, 2021

When Manchester United take on Arsenal at the Emirates, all eyes will be on the attacking midfielder, whose last league goal came on January 1 against Aston Villa. Arsenal have kept four clean sheets in their last five league outings, and if United are to breach their defence, one can rightly expect Fernandes to be a part of the attack.

ATK Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters

Roy Krishna’s 67th-minute goal turned out to be the difference the last time ATK Mohun Bagan locked horns with Kerala Blasters. A lot has changed since. While ATKMB are in the hunt for the ISL title, Kerala Blasters are battling for survival as they sit 9th in the ISL points table. A dip in form for ATKMB has seen them losing twice in their last five outings and that has allowed Mumbai City FC to stretch their lead to six points at the top of the table.

As far as Kerala Blasters are concerned, they are unbeaten in their last five matches, having won twice, including that shocking 2-1 win over Bengaluru FC, and drawing three. One can expect Kerala Blasters to score at least once as they have found the net in four of their last five ISL games. ATKMB, on the other hand, boasts of a similar statistic.

Player to watch: Roy Krishna

ATKMB’s Roy Krishna has duly struggled for goals in recent times, but that has rather been down to a collective failure rather than his own fault. Be it as it may, Roy Krishna still remains one of ATKMB’s key assets and will be under the spotlight on Sunday at the Fatorda Stadium. Expect Krishna to exploit the Kerala defence that has kept just one clean sheet in their last seven outings.

Wondering what to do next? Head to Sportsbet.io to select your picks.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Phil Noble

Bruno Fernandes�?/strong> fourth Player of the Month award meant he is the first player in the Premier League era to win the award four times in a calendar year. Just 12 months into his English football career, the Portuguese international is not only breaking records but also amplifying Manchester United’s resurgence as a title contender.

�?@B_Fernandes8 �?/p>

The @ManUtd star wins his @EASPORTSFIFA Player of the Month award #PLAwards pic.twitter.com/KkvHNGhJY8

�?Premier League (@premierleague) January 15, 2021

Bruno signed for Manchester United in a £47m deal from Sporting Lisbon, at a time when the English giants were struggling with their worst start to a Premier League campaign (34 points after 24 games) since 1992/93.

All that, however, changed as soon as he was slotted into the playing XI, and one could see a visible transformation in a team that hasn’t commanded authority since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. By the end of the 2019/20 season, Bruno had registered eight goals and seven assists in a mere 14 appearances.

The 2020/21 campaign has seen Bruno Fernandes take things up a notch, as he has now scored 11 goals and assisted seven times in 18 Premier League games. No other midfielder in the history of Manchester United has produced such numbers, and while he features on the team sheet, almost everyone can bet on a Bruno special.

How does Bruno make United look dangerous?

The last couple of years saw Manchester United lack a number 10 in the midfield. The return of Paul Pogba in 2016 echoed the possibility of the Red Devils bringing back their attacking brand of football that was missing in recent years, but his positioning during the tenure of Jose Mourinho has a different tale to speak altogether.

However, Bruno Fernandes�?arrival brought about a fresh outlook to the midfield. The playing strategy under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also improved to the point Manchester United is currently at the top of the table.

Bruno Fernandes for Man Utd in the Premier League this season:

�?Most passes into the box (116)
�?Most chances created (44)
�?Most through balls (7)
�?Most possession lost (291)

Ole Gunnar Solskjær knows Bruno's risk are worth taking. pic.twitter.com/5u8znLborS

�?Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 26, 2020

The Red Devils commanded pass completion rates of 82.9 and 83.1 (stat till gameweek 19), and the Portuguese star has completed 1363 passes at a rate of 72.3. Additionally, United have averaged 668.5 touches per game in the eight league and European games since Fernandes arrived from Sporting.

In terms of their goal output, United scored 36 goals in the first half of the 2019/20 season, but their scoring rate improved after Bruno’s signing with 30 goals in 13 games. The Portuguese contributed with eight goals, and seven assists as the 20-time Premier League winners finished third at the end of the season.

How does Bruno fare against Salah and De Bruyne?

Ever since Bruno Fernandes signed for Manchester United, football fans and pundits were quick enough to draw a competition between Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Without any doubt, this three-player rivalry is the most significant source of entertainment in the Premier League, apart from the race for the Golden Boot.

32 - Bruno Fernandes and Mohamed Salah were directly involved in the most Premier League goals in 2020, however the Portuguese had 32 combined goals and assists in four fewer appearances than Salah. Catalysts. #OptaReview2020 pic.twitter.com/aMb7gQUwki

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 31, 2020

In the whole of 2020, Salah had 32 direct goal involvements (23 goals, nine assists), followed by Bruno’s 31 goal involvements (18 goals, 13 assists) and De Bruyne’s 24 goals (6 goals, 18 assists). Judging by these numbers, the former Sporting captain has cemented his position as one of the best players in recent times.

In terms of assists, Kevin De Bruyne scripted history as he notched 20 assists in a single season in the 2019/20 season and has already stacked 10 assists this term. On the flip side, Bruno is quickly rising to the front as he has matched last seasons�?tally of seven assists and is well-placed to add to the count. 

The atmosphere has changed on the pitch

Bruno Fernandes has been a regular feature in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s matchday squads, and with the team playing formations like 4-2-3-1, the Old Trafford faithful can notice how the team is thriving on the pitch.

⚠️ | QUICK STAT

After his goal against Everton, Bruno Fernandes has now recorded 21 goal involvements (12⚽️ & 9 �? in his first 21 Premier League matches for Manchester United.

No other Red Devils player recorded more than 12 EPL goal involvements in that time span.#EVEMUN pic.twitter.com/jZmyustOUE

�?SofaScore (@SofaScoreINT) November 7, 2020

Paul Pogba, often criticized for failing to live up to his price tag, is now thriving alongside the Portuguese in the midfield setup. The likes of Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood are also pushing through with more attempts on the goal.

In the past, the United teams under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho never had a motivator to get the team on track. In Bruno Fernandes, the Red Devils now have a player whose hunger for victories and trophies energizes the club’s atmosphere and is slowly turning into a club icon just 12 months into life in England.

Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo

With his fourth fourth Player of the Month award, Bruno Fernandes equalled former United winger Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally and is now, perhaps, on course to better his compatriot’s legacy at the club.

4 - Bruno Fernandes has won Premier League Player of the Month for the fourth time in seven months in the competition - as many as times as Cristiano Ronaldo. Only Agüero (7), Gerrard (6), Kane (6), van Persie (5) and Rooney (5) have now won it more. Inspired. pic.twitter.com/suoT3TKixD

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 15, 2021

In his six seasons in Manchester, Ronaldo was a revelation and became one of the chief catalysts in the club’s dominance in the 2000’s. In Bruno’s case, the 26-year-old has quickly climbed up the performance charts and is earning praises from former players like Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Bryan Robson who have been critical of the team’s performances in recent times.

With Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United are a team that is just fractionally below Liverpool on the points table and as the best Premier League player in 2020, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the playmaker leads United to their first league title since 2013.

Feature Image courtesy: AFP / Michael Regan