FA Cup final battles: Bruno Fernandes versus Rodri | OneFootball

Manchester United will take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final this Saturday afternoon at Wembley.

The Red Devils are hoping to put a disappointing season behind them and finish on a high.

The game has perhaps taken on even more significance, if possible, with the news yesterday that the team’s performance will reportedly have a big say on manager Erik ten Hag’s future at the club.

Whilst City go into the final as clear favourites, United will believe they have the individual talent to hurt their neighbours and will aim to win key battles all over the field to deliver the world’s oldest club football tournament trophy back to Old Trafford.

If the Reds do anything right, it is usually down to a certain Portuguese magician.

Bruno Fernandes has been the beating heart of this United team and with 15 goals and 12 assists, has contributed the most goals by far to the side.

In addition, he has just come off the second season in a row where he has created more chances than anyone else in the Premier League.

This is no mean feat when you consider the inexperience and lack of depth United’s attack possesses.

The captain was criticised earlier in the season for his performances but spring has seen the midfielder roar back to his best and once more take his rightful place as the catalyst of the club.

His importance to the side was recently highlighted when the Red Devils played Crystal Palace and Arsenal without their number eight and not only failed to score but never looked like doing so. Whilst being far from perfect, the side scored five goals in the remaining two games against Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion and the return of the Portugal international had a major role in this upturn in goal scoring fortune.

It is safe to assume that if the Red Devils are to have any joy against City from an offensive point of view this weekend, Bruno will be absolutely key.

The Portugal international scored the penalty in the cup final last year and he created Marcus Rashford’s goal in March at the Etihad. It was also the 29 year old who scored United’s opening goal in a 2-1 victory over City in January 2023 at Old Trafford.

However standing in Fernandes’ way is a rather large obstacle. Manchester City’s Rodri is “physically imposing” yet also a passing artist at the base of Pep Guardiola’s star-studded midfield.

The Spaniard tends to get the best of his opponents, so Fernandes will need to deliver one of his strongest performances of the season to do significant damage to the Cityzens.

Despite being one of, if not the best in his world at his position, like every player, Rodri is not without his weaknesses. The Spain international lacks mobility and pace and whilst Bruno is no speedster, he can outmanoeuvre his opponent.

If the United captain can get in behind Rodri and break past him in the midfield to launch counters for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund to latch onto, there certainly could be joy to be had for Erik ten Hag’s men.

Moreover, Bruno will have an important job to do defensively. Rodri is an important passing weapon for the Premier League champions, so if he can be disrupted and pressed, as Fernandes is certainly capable of, the ball could be won in dangerous places and City’s attacks can be impeded.

Taking on the defensive midfielder is one of the most difficult things to do in contemporary football but if one man can do it, it is Bruno Fernandes.

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