Sports
Former £60m Man Utd Player, Sold in 2015, Now Outperforming Bruno Fernandes in Goals
Bruno Fernandes Struggles as Former United Flop Angel Di Maria Outshines Him in 2024/25 Season: Manchester United suffered another Premier League home defeat, losing 3-2 to Nottingham Forest, as new manager Ruben Amorim continues to grapple with defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of creativity in attack....CONTINUE READING>>>
Club captain Bruno Fernandes, often United’s standout performer, has seen a dip in form this season. Despite his efforts, Fernandes lost possession 19 times against Forest, achieved just 75% passing accuracy, and was substituted in the 76th minute, signaling Amorim’s dissatisfaction with his performance.
In stark contrast, former United player Ángel Di María, now 36 and playing for Benfica, is thriving. Di María, who struggled during his brief tenure at United in 2014/15, has been pivotal for Benfica in their title race this season, outperforming Fernandes in key attacking metrics.
Key Comparison: Fernandes vs. Di María (2024/25)
| Stat | Bruno Fernandes | Ángel Di María |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 4 |
| Progressive Carries | 33 | 35 |
| Shots on Target (%) | 20% | 29% |
| Long Pass Completion (%) | 48.4% | 50.5% |
| Successful Take-Ons | 11 | 16 |
| Crosses | 59 | 63 |
Di María’s resurgence includes playing deeper roles and contributing effectively to Benfica’s attacking dynamics. His experience and efficiency are in sharp contrast to Fernandes, who has struggled with consistency and effectiveness this season.
While Fernandes remains a key player for United, his recent performances have raised questions about his impact, especially compared to Di María, who continues to shine in Portugal.
