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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

The Manchester United player who has been at the heart of their 'mini renaissance'

Attacking-midfielder Bruno Fernandes is the man leading Manchester United's recent revival following Saturday's 1-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford.

That is according to former United and Tottenham Hotspur striker Garth Crooks, who has included Fernandes in his Team of the Week following the latest round of Premier League fixtures.

Although Fernandes did not prove to be United's knight in shining armour against the Hammers, with Marcus Rashford taking that particular honour after netting a 93rd minute winner, the Portugal international produced another impressive performance in the advanced-midfield berth, following on from his displays against Aston Villa and Brentford.

United's haul of seven points from the last nine on offer has coincided with Fernandes' upturn in form, meaning Ralf Rangnick's decision to revert back to a more familiar system, moving the former Sporting Lisbon man into his natural No.10 position, has helped both United and Fernandes massively.

Although everyone has played their part in the recent improvements, Crooks insists it is Fernandes who has been at the heart of the operation.

"Seven points taken in three games and United look better for it," Crooks told BBC Sport. "The player at the heart of this mini renaissance is Bruno Fernandes.

"He was brilliant at Villa Park, outstanding against Brentford and at the heart of anything meaningful against West Ham. The Portugal international has been magnificent these past few weeks.

"Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani look fresh after an enforced rest while Cristiano Ronaldo has looked a little tired.

"Fernandes on the other hand appears to be one of those players who needs to play regularly otherwise he loses his rhythm."

Despite not getting himself on the scoresheet or claiming the assist for Rashford's winner at the weekend, Fernandes' form has gone up through the gears in the last few matches, with his tally of four direct goal contributions (two goals and two assists) against Villa and Brentford making impressive reading.

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