Manchester United secured a valuable win in the ongoing 2023/2024 Premier League season against Fulham on Saturday night (11/04/23).

Manchester United secured a valuable win in the ongoing 2023/2024 Premier League season against Fulham on Saturday night (11/04/23).

Bruno Fernandes potentially disrupted Manchester United’s transfer plans with his excellent performance in the Premier League, earning praise from Erik ten Hag.

Bruno Fernandes‘ solitary goal in the dying moments of the second half allowed The Red Devils to take home three points from their visit to Craven Cottage.

The full points temporarily relieved Manchester United after suffering two consecutive home defeats, 0-3 against Manchester City and Newcastle United.

This result left Erik ten Hag very satisfied. He didn’t hesitate to praise Bruno Fernandes as an exemplary figure for his Manchester United teammates.

“When he plays, he always gives energy. He is an example, and you can see how he presses, counter-presses, and recovers the ball. He is truly an example,” said Erik ten Hag, as quoted from the Manchester Evening News.

Erik ten Hag seems to view Bruno Fernandes as a different player when facing Fulham. Acting as the captain, Bruno not only wanted to control the ball but also create opportunities.

Despite criticism for his underwhelming performances since the beginning of the season, Bruno Fernandes has now started to return to his best form, potentially negating the need for Manchester United to acquire new midfielders in the transfer market.

There are at least two attacking midfielders recently linked to Manchester United’s interest, who might replace Bruno Fernandes, namely Nicolai Vallys and Vinicius Jr.

As is known, Nicolai Vallys, a Danish midfielder, has entered Manchester United’s transfer radar. The Red Devils have reportedly sent scouts to monitor Nicolai Vallys’ movements while he is currently a key player for the Danish club, Brondby IF.

Nicolai Vallys, who plays as an attacking midfielder, has scored six goals in 12 matches this season for the Danish club.

Vinicius Jr is also rumored to be a target for Manchester United, despite having recently extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2027.

Their intention in approaching Vinicius Junior is solely to find a replacement for Jadon Sancho.

Both players primarily operate as left wingers. Sancho has already been left out of Erik ten Hag’s squad and is set to be released in January 2024.

Vinicius currently earns €20 million per year at Madrid. Rumor has it that Manchester United wants to offer a higher deal than that.

On the other hand, Bruno Fernandes is now considered by Ten Hag as the “complete package” because he possesses the abilities of both Manchester United target players.

Against Fulham, Fernandes’ intensity was once again evident. According to WhoScored, the 29-year-old player made three shots with 100% accuracy. He was the most aggressive performer from Manchester United, registering 1 key pass, 2 dribbles, and 3 tackles.

Manchester United achieved an important result in the 11th round of the 2023/2024 Premier League on Saturday (November 4, 2023) night. The Red Devils managed to defeat Fulham 1-0 in the match played at Craven Cottage Stadium, London. Manchester United’s winning goal was scored by Bruno Fernandes (90+1′). This result brought the team, based at Old Trafford, to 8th place in the 2023-2024 Premier League with 18 points. Bruno Fernandes also answered the doubts that were initially directed at him. His eligibility to wear the captain’s armband of MU had previously been questioned.

“I don’t understand why. Everyone makes mistakes, no one is perfect. But when he plays, he always gives energy,” said Man United coach, Erik ten Hag, about the criticism of Bruno Fernandes. “He is an example. You can see how he presses and counter-presses, his ball recovery ability. He always wants the ball, he wants to create opportunities,” said Ten Hag as quoted from The Guardian.

It was understood that Bruno Fernandes’ eligibility as captain was in doubt when Man United lost 0-3 to Manchester City at Old Trafford last week. This minor result was followed by a heavy 0-3 defeat when MU hosted Newcastle United in the English League Cup. “Everyone knows the situation is not the best.”

“In the last two games, we didn’t deliver the performances we wanted. We had to provide something different, and we did it.”

“It was a game where everyone sacrificed and ran, everyone worked harder,” said Bruno Fernandes.

MU reacted by regaining positive results at Fulham’s headquarters. However, the spotlight was on the front line personnel of Manchester United, namely Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, and Antony, who failed to score. The three of them have made 22 appearances in the league this season and have yet to score or assist. “Clearly, we expect that from them, and we believe they will do it,” said Ten Hag.

An interesting sight occurred when Manchester United visited Fulham’s stadium, Craven Cottage, in the 11th week of the Premier League.

During the match, precisely in the 18th minute, many people wondered why Fulham fans were holding yellow sheets of paper, similar to yellow cards used by football referees.

It turned out that this action was a form of protest by The Cottagers’ fans against the rising club ticket prices.

According to SPORTbible, journalist Andy Mitten revealed this phenomenon through his social media.

In his opinion, it was very reasonable for Fulham fans to protest ticket price policies, especially when the increases were unreasonable.

The highest ticket price for normal seats set by Fulham in the match was £160, or about Rp3 million.

“Fulham has clearly raised (ticket prices) for tourists who come. But they have to remember that there will be serious consequences,” said Mitten.

Fulham manager Marco Silva also spoke about the protest against the ticket price hike. Through a press conference before the match on Friday (3/11), he believed that many fans were able to pay for all the matches of the team from London.

“But, honestly, for Fulham fans, this match should be of the same value as the last match against Sheffield United or even the next match against Wolves,” explained the Portuguese.

According to the ticket resale site, Seat Pick, the highest ticket price for Fulham’s home matches in the 2023/2024 season is £130 per seat.

The pricing is fluctuating, depending on seat location, the opposing team, and the ticket market demand.

In general, Fulham home tickets are priced at £106.

The £30 to £60 increase in ticket prices, compared to regular prices, when hosting Man United is what has angered many fans.

Not only were they angry about the ticket price increase, but also the fans had to taste the bitter pill when their beloved team was defeated at home by Man United.

The Red Devils managed to win 0-1. Bruno Fernandes’ strike from outside the penalty box in the 90+1 minute secured the victory for Manchester United. The result left Fulham in 15th place with 12 points.