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Manchester United blew away Barnsley in the EFL but was it necessary to bring on Bruno Fernandez?
Manchester United cruised to a dominant 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, showcasing their attacking prowess and depth in a performance that left little room for doubt.
The Red Devils, led by Erik ten Hag, were in control from the outset, with goals flowing freely in the first half. However, the match’s latter stages saw a decision that has sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits alike.
With United already 5-0 up, Ten Hag made a surprising substitution by bringing on Bruno Fernandes, who cost the club £47 million.
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The Portuguese playmaker’s appearance in the closing 30 minutes of the match raised eyebrows, particularly given that United's next fixture is a crucial Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
ESPN reporter Rob Dawson was among those questioning the logic behind the decision. On X, Dawson remarked, “Throwing on Bruno Fernandes for the last 30 minutes of a Carabao Cup tie when you're already 5-0 up is an interesting decision by Ten Hag.”
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The move seemed particularly baffling considering Fernandes’ heavy workload this season and his key role in United’s Premier League campaign.
Fernandes has started all four league matches this season, contributing one assist. With a crucial match against Crystal Palace on the horizon, many felt that resting Fernandes would have been a prudent choice to avoid unnecessary fatigue and potential injury.
Despite this, Ten Hag’s decision to keep his star player involved may have been driven by a desire to maintain momentum and ensure match fitness.
While the tactical reasoning remains open to interpretation, the spotlight is now firmly on how the manager will balance his squad’s energy for the upcoming league fixture.
United’s emphatic win against Barnsley was a testament to their strength, but the unexpected inclusion of Fernandes raises questions about squad management and the prioritization of upcoming fixtures.
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