Manchester United are going through the most challenging period in the club’s modern history.

Manager Erik ten Hag is working really hard to keep himself from being fired, something he might have already done had his captain Bruno Fernandes not been there to save his skin.

The Portugal international faced harsh criticism after a disappointing showing in a 3-0 derby loss to Manchester City, but it wasn’t fair.

Given that the talented 29-year-old playmaker is one of the few Manchester United players who understands the significance of the red shirt, it’s difficult to hold him accountable for allowing his feelings to get the better of him.

With Marcus Rashford, who was recently criticized, interfering occasionally, Fernandes has been the one bright spot for the Red Devils in otherwise appalling circumstances.

His goal in stoppage time at Craven Cottage last Saturday gave United a crucial 1-0 victory against Fulham and provided the ideal reaction to unjust criticism.

The fact that the numbers speak for themselves may have been a major factor in Fernandes’ outburst during the Manchester derby.

The Manchester United captain has produced more “big chances” (28) and completed more crucial passes (109) than any other player in the Premier League since the start of 2023. This year, he has had phenomenal results, but there is no support system surrounding him.

He has contributed to 42% of United’s top-flight goals this season with three goals and two assists, thus demonstrating his importance to this squad.

But even with his best efforts to get his team out of a crisis, the Portuguese playmaker has only contributed two league assists in 2023–24 so far.

It’s not really his fault.

Rasmus Hojlund’s excellent performance in the Champions League has helped to partially justify his high price. However, there is still an issue with his inability to duplicate such excellent performances in the Premier League.

The foundation for Manchester United’s top-four finish in the previous season was laid by Fernandes’s in-form Rashford. But this season, the Englishman’s mysterious downturn has left his “partner in crime” high and dry.

It’s pretty much unrealistic to expect a one-dimensional Antony to step into Rashford’s shoes at this moment. The Brazilian appears to be juggling serious personal matters.

His on-field performances are impacted by whatever is happening off the field. Despite spending a considerable amount of money to sign him away from Ajax, he has not even approached the grade of ten that Hag had anticipated he might achieve.

With all due respect to his developing skill, Alejandro Garnacho is still not ready to tackle Premier League challenges, while Jadon Sancho’s time at Old Trafford is running out.

In light of this, Rashford’s return to form is much-needed.