Manchester United midfielder has scored 19 goals and made 19 assists for the club this season
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been tipped to push his side over the line as the Red Devils face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on 21 May.
Both United and Tottenham have endured challenging Premier League seasons, finishing 16th and 17th respectively. The Europa League final offers a chance for redemption, and both sides could make a strong case as to why it should go to them. But only one team can lift the trophy in San Mames, Bilbao.
In the lead-up to the final, former Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy said that Fernandes’ ability to influence games could make the difference on the night.
“My Tottenham roots pull me towards them and I want them to win of course,” said Murphy. “But I think Manchester United have the only player in both the sides who’s reliable in the big games and can create magic: Bruno Fernandes.”
Fernandes has been United’s standout performer in a dark season, providing 19 goals and 19 assists to grab the team by the scruff of the neck at times. In the first leg of the semi-final against Athletic Club, he scored a first-half brace to effectively put the tie to bed early. United would go ahead to win 7-1 on aggregate.
However, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes the Portuguese will be unable to make an impact in the final and predicted a Tottenham win.
“I think Spurs will win it, I honestly do,” said Keown. “I know it could be a long night, maybe Manchester United will look for extra-time and penalties, but I feel like Spurs can win this.
“I don’t think [Bruno Fernandes] will turn up on the night. I actually think Dominic Solanke might be the standout player. £65 million will be like a snip if they win it.”
