Speaking exclusively to BoyleSports, ex-Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley lends his thoughts on Man United, saying that Bruno Fernandes is sacrificing his own career to help Manchester United and that his friend Wayne Rooney is open to anything in management.
Man United vs Arsenal Assessment
Against Arsenal, Manchester United looked comfortable defending. They were unfortunate to concede the goal to a good finish from Declan Rice, but I think United were on top with some good chances for Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund to win it.
I was impressed by Victor Lindelof, who hasn’t had many minutes this season and is coming to the end of his time at the club. The manager looks to have other ideas, but he was decent and that’s a testament to him because he too probably wants a new challenge.
The midfield of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro surprised me but United are down to bare bones, you worry that older legs will get overrun but they were tidy. Joshua Zirkzee has had a tough time at United but did well, got into good positions and his hold-up play looked good. Overall, the standout is Bruno Fernandes, as it has been for the majority of the season.”
Zirkzee’s New Lease of Life
Joshua Zirkzee looks to have a new lease of life coming off the back of the Newcastle game in which he got jeered off. During the first game of the season against Fulham, he looked very heavy and out of shape since then he has bounced back from a tough night and shown some glimpses of his talent.
He got his goal in the Europa League, and his performances are picking up. I think he is adapting to the league physically and looks in much better shape.
Amorim Got It Right
Ruben Amorim did the right thing against Arsenal by playing defensively, when you’re up against good opposition sometimes it’s the best way to get a result. I think one thing that United are missing is a focal point up front, someone who can get 20-30 goals a season.
But it was the right tactic, Arsenal are going to have the majority of the ball and the counter-attacking game worked well for United. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen had to be connected in a game that wasn’t expansive and overall it was a really positive performance. It’s something to build on before another vital game on Thursday.
Importance of the Europa League
The Europa League is Manchester United’s only chance of having a successful season given what has happened in the Premier League, the League Cup and the FA Cup. There is still some real quality left in the tournament, but if you can get into the quarter-finals you feel in touching distance. Then you can get players back fit, including Amad Diallo and see what happens.
Winning the tournament would be a trophy to build on, it would be an incredible achievement given the season United have had and the injuries, it would be a Champions League spot which would be an astounding achievement."
Keane v Fernandes
Roy Keane is right in the sense that Bruno Fernandes can do more, but in any other team he would be winning trophies and he’s probably sacrificing his own career to try and help Manchester United get back to where they want to be.
He is the standout performer week in and week out, you only have to look at his goals and assists. I’d be scared to see where United would be without him. He doesn’t back out of challenges and his work rate is unmatched, but the standards that Roy set as a captain means he won’t like how Bruno sometimes looks frustrated and throws his arms in the air.
But that’s obviously because he wants to win trophies with United, that is his personality, and he will be instrumental in United trying to get back up the table.
Hojlund Under Pressure
It’s been really tough for Rasmus Hojlund and it’s never nice to see a young player struggle, with 20 games without a goal now. You can see in his body language that he is hurt but he still has the potential to come back from that, he might need someone to play alongside him to share the load.
You rely on your centre forwards and football is a collective, but you need your striker scoring goals and the two he has this season is not up to the standard that the club needs. There is a lot of pressure on his shoulders at just 22 years old and maybe he needs to simplify his game, getting into the right positions and playing to his instincts.
“In the long run, you hope that a tough period gives you the chance to learn.”
Chido-Obi’s Huge Future
I‘ve been really impressed by what I’ve seen from Chido-Obi Martin, he looks raw, but he has the work rate and the desire to make things happen on the pitch. He's certainly one for the future that United are probably hanging their hat on to see if he progresses into the first team.
Looking at his record for both Arsenal and United at youth level, he looks to be a really valuable prospect for the future, the concern is about not putting too much pressure on him. He has a huge future, but he needs to apply himself in the right way when he gets chances and live the right way off the pitch. If he does that he will get his chance.
Onana Requires Consistency
Andre Onana looks to be feeling the expectations at the club, consistency has been an issue, and I’d say he looks a little too laid back at times for my liking as a goalkeeper. In modern-day football some coaches like that, but there is a lot of risk in playing out from the back and first and foremost goalkeepers need to keep the ball out of the net.
He has shown glimpses of his ability and he’s a big character, but some of his mistakes have cost the team. The manager might look at his options in the summer and go in a different direction, but he has a long contract and can still improve in the remainder of the season.
Rooney’s Time Out And Managerial Aspirations
I was chatting to Wayne last week and obviously, he has had a hectic time in recent years when it comes to retiring, managing Derby, DC United, Birmingham and then Plymouth. It didn’t work out how he would’ve imagined but working non-stop does take its toll on you as does being away from home for so long.
There is a lot that goes into management that people might not see, I think right now is a good chance for him to have some time with his family and away from management and coaching, I think it will do him a world of good. He’s enjoying time with the kids and Coleen is up to her own thing, he is in great spirits and is back in the gym by the looks of things.”
I’d say that Wayne is open to anything when it comes to his next job, but at the moment he is having a bit of a break and really enjoying the punditry, he comes across really well. He played at the highest level for 20 years, so his knowledge of the game is second to none. I think it's a perfect chance for him to have a bit of time out, but I think he'll only know when the time's right where he wants to get back in.
At some point, he will get itchy feet so I’m sure he is going to give it another go, but he’s really enjoying what he is doing at the moment.
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