has not been the influential figure need so far this season. So often the puller of strings and scorer of goals from attacking midfield, the 30-year-old is yet to find the net once in 2024/25.
He could be forgiven for that. Central strikers Joshua Zirkzee and should always be 's primary goal-getters, but as an experienced operator in the No 10 role, Fernandes should at the very least be creating chances.
United's skipper led the in that metric last campaign by laying on 114 opportunities for team-mates - 11 more than any other player and over 40 more than , who was named Player of the Year.
That creativity has completely deserted Fernandes this season. Across seven Premier League games he has only created six chances, with half of them coming in the defeat at Brighton in August.
In more than half of those matches, Fernandes did not create a single chance for anyone. His tally for the campaign is so low that even former United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who now plays for West Ham and is not known for his attacking prowess, has notched more (seven).
There are other defenders who have upstaged Fernandes despite the Portuguese's prime chance-creating position between the wingers and behind the striker. Ipswich Town's Leif Davis and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold have racked up almost three times as many (16 each).
Fernandes' lull in form is causing problems for Erik ten Hag. A series of wayward results have put him under intense pressure, and United bosses met in London earlier this week for a lengthy discussion about the Dutchman's future.
After a disappointing start to the season both as an individual and as a leader of the team, which also included a red card against FC Porto last week, Fernandes has owned up to his shortcomings and sent a message to supporters.
"Personally, I have always had challenges and adversities throughout my career and something that's never happened was that I go silent or hide myself from responsibilities in difficult moments," he said.
"I know it sounds cliche and most of you United fans will be tired of it, but no one is more disappointed than myself with my own moment. Even through this moment, I appreciate all of you that had positive messages of belief in me and the team."
