The much anticipated Bruno Fernandes Manchester United debut was a dud as United only managed a goalless draw with Wolves during their Premier League matchup.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come out blaming his squad’s inability to win their match against Wolves although dominating with 65 % possession, was mainly due to the team’s exhaustion.
Having played 21 games in 69 days Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping the upcoming Premier League winter break will give his players a much-needed rest as they try to salvage next seasons Champions League qualification hopes as they take on Chelsea on 17 February.
Manchester United fans were hoping that the signing debut of Bruno Fernandes would usher in a much-needed spark and revive the clubs Champions League hopes but the $62 million signing was unable to help contribute points and close the sides gap with Chelsea.
“Bruno is a top player,” Solskjaer said, commenting on Fernandes’ debut.
“First half, everyone was getting the ball into his feet and Bruno is one of those who players who wants players moving in front of him and we didn’t do that.”
The Manchester United manager joins Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp in pointing out the necessity of the Premier League winter break as players are in desperate need of a break to refresh after the hectic footballing schedule experienced in the past 2 months.
In his interview with Sky Sports, Ole went on to say the following:
“We played so many games over the last two months – the players are down to the bare bones really, their energy levels are down and they need a break,”
“I don’t think it’s confidence. We’ve just come off a 6-0 win in the cup, we’ve beaten Man City three days ago, it was energy. Wolves had 10 days to rest to prepare for this. We had two games, on a muddy pitch at Prenton Park, and the emotional energy at City.”
“We dominated the game again, against them, 65 per cent possession, and we don’t create too many big chances unfortunately, lacking a little bit of that spark, which is natural, we’re on the end of a relentless run, 18 games in two months.”
“Sometimes you get games that look a bit flat, but we still had 65 per cent possession, so it’s not confidence, it’s energy as well. So the break will be used to get the energy up, and also the weather is going to be nicer so we’ll do more finishing, movement and patterns. We’re looking forward to the last few months of the season.”
United now have until 17 February to relax and recharge their batteries before continuing with the last leg of the season. With the players fully rested and Bruno Fernandes coming in as a replacement for the injured Marcus Rahsford, he will no more excuses as to why Manchester United can not achieve a top 4 finish at the end of the season.
