Bruno Fernandes celebrating a goal for Manchester United.

Bruno Fernandes' Goal Drought: 12 Matches Without Scoring for Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes: A Striker's Drought at Manchester United

Last April, Bruno Fernandes delivered an unforgettable moment when he scored a stunning strike with his weaker left foot from 25 yards against Sheffield United. This goal marked a significant peak in his career, as it was part of an impressive streak where he netted seven goals in just five games for Manchester United. However, fast-forward to the present day, and Fernandes is currently experiencing a frustrating goal drought.

The Prolific Rise and Unprecedented Slump

Fernandes's prolific period has given way to what is now considered the longest goal drought of his Manchester United career. Despite his persistent efforts to break this streak, he has yet to find the back of the net in twelve subsequent matches. Fans have been left watching in anguish as Fernandes takes speculative shots, some with remarkably low chances of finding success. For instance, during a recent match against Southampton, two of his attempts were predicted by Opta to have less than a one percent chance of scoring.

Statistical Insights into the Drought

Over the course of his goal drought, Fernandes has taken 30 shots with no success, and his total of 17 attempts in the Premier League this season stands as the highest for any player who has yet to score in Europe's major divisions. In his last four Premier League games, he has failed to hit the target, although he did come close against Crystal Palace, as one shot bounced off the ground and onto the frame of the goal.

Moreover, the mishaps continued when he slashed a shot wide of the post in that same match, resulting in three big chances missed this season alone. This unfortunate trend began during the opening match of the campaign when he missed two clear one-on-one opportunities against Fulham.

Team Dynamics and Missed Opportunities

Fernandes's goal drought is not an isolated issue but a symptom of a broader problem affecting Manchester United. Despite ranking third in the Premier League for expected goals with a total of 9.10, United has converted their chances poorly, missing 17 out of 19 clear-cut opportunities. This woeful performance puts them below Southampton in terms of conversion rates, leading to a mere five goals scored so far this season.

The Impact on Erik Ten Hag's Strategy

Manager Erik Ten Hag faces mounting pressure as his team lies 11th in the Premier League table, already four points adrift of the top four. Matches like the 2-1 defeat to Brighton and a goalless draw against Crystal Palace clearly showcased how the team could have capitalized more effectively with sharper finishing.

Looking Ahead: Hope for the Future

As the team seeks a way to return to form, the hope is that Rasmus Hojlund's full fitness and Marcus Rashford's resurgent performance might aid in improving their scoring chances. Yet, the ongoing frustration for Fernandes remains palpable, leaving fans to wonder if he can finally find his scoring touch against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday.

Conclusion

As Manchester United continues to navigate this difficult period, the emphasis will be on evolving their finishing prowess. All eyes will be on Bruno Fernandes, not just to end his personal drought but to help elevate the team’s performance as a whole.

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