Unraveling Bruno Fernandes' Unmatched Passing Prowess: Man Utd's Strategic Pursuit of Creating Space for Their Captain

Bruno Fernandes defies the modern game's emphasis on ball retention by opting for risky passes with high potential rewards. As Manchester United's captain, he fearlessly showcases his creative prowess without fearing the loss of possession. This unconventional approach is further highlighted by a statistic that calculates the expected completion rate of Fernandes' passes using tracking data. Surprisingly, the results show that his expected pass completion rate stands at a mere 69.7 percent.

He is the sole Premier League player to reach 100 passes this season with an expected pass completion rate below 70 percent. This indicates that Fernandes is attempting more challenging passes than any other player.

Fernandes demonstrates his ability to execute passes with a slightly higher pass completion rate. However, his true talent lies in his exceptional vision to identify those opportunities. Fernandes possesses a creative imagination and the ability to envision these passes before executing them. Notably, his passes are particularly challenging as they often break through the defensive line of the opposition. This season alone, Fernandes has attempted an impressive 56 of such passes, placing him second in the Premier League.

Not only is he not attempting to strike a stationary target, but he is also contending with dynamic elements. Furthermore, the recipients of his passes possess the highest average velocity in the Premier League. Fernandes consistently locates players who are in motion, a tremendously challenging feat.

During a conversation with Erik ten Hag at the club's training ground, the Manchester United manager is presented with these statistics. However, he does not wish to demoralize his captain. "It's essential that we provide him with support and instill the confidence to continue," Ten Hag asserts to We. "His remarkable ability to deliver the crucial assist is truly genius."

The Dutchman acknowledges that it is a challenging task. "It requires a great deal," Ten Hag adds. "Not only intelligence, but also resilience to persist and try again despite multiple setbacks." It requires a specific mindset to consistently opt for the difficult pass rather than the straightforward one.

Steven Gerrard recounts an anecdote from his early days at Liverpool. His midfield teammate Gary McAllister, who was known for his exceptional passing skills, advised Gerrard to make the next pass simple after losing possession. This would aid in rebuilding confidence before attempting more risky passes.

Fernandes frequently disregards that rule. Despite potential initial failure in finding the intended target and possible disapproval from the audience, if he recognizes the possibility of making another attempt to find that opening just seconds later, he will inevitably seize that opportunity.

This approach contributes to Fernandes being recognized as the most innovative player in the Premier League. Expected assists measure the probability of a pass leading to a goal. This evaluation of creativity is more authentic than actual assists as it doesn't consider the final execution.

Fernandes tops the list for expected assists this season.

Ten Hag is determined to maintain a delicate equilibrium. While he desires his playmaker to consistently create opportunities for Manchester United in the offensive zone, he remains devoted to a possession-based style of play, which imposes certain restrictions.

Naturally, Ten Hag hopes for an improvement in his creator's pass completion rate while maintaining the same impact through crucial and final passes. This is an ongoing dialogue between the player and manager, with Ten Hag expressing his commitment to supporting and assisting the player.

"But as captain, it is crucial for him, being a player of his age, to also consider the strategic aspect of the game. Keeping possession of the ball becomes extremely significant for a team's control over the game. Is this not what true leadership entails? It is about making the right decisions and recognizing their importance."

Ten Hag's objective is to guarantee that Fernandes receives sufficient possession of the ball, specifically in the most advantageous regions. The specific requirements may vary depending on the game and the opponent. "Bruno has a significant impact on our gameplay, so we assess each match to determine what approach is necessary," he explains.

"Bruno has the ability to perform from various positions. He is capable in central positions, as well as in wider positions. In the previous season, we even tested him in a deeper role, and it was evident that he could deliver excellent, constructive passes."

Ten Hag understands the capabilities of his captain and his role is to establish a foundation that allows him to excel. This entails surrounding him with the appropriate players and ensuring the team executes the necessary strategies to optimize his skills. The objective is to facilitate his success by positioning Bruno in advantageous areas on the field. Consequently, Bruno Fernandes will effortlessly fulfill his part.

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