Bruno Fernandes was undoubtedly the catalyst for Manchester United's successful push to qualify for the Champions League in 2019/20.Prior to the Portuguese's arrival in January, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side looked lost and were seemingly unable to create enough meaningful chances in games.There was no link between midfield and attack and as such, United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League looked slim to none.But then came Fernandes. The Red Devils have not lost a single Premier League game since the 25-year-old walked into the starting XI at the start of the year.In his 14 league appearances, the former Sporting Lisbon man scored eight goals and assisted a further seven. That's right, more goal contributions than games played, impressive stuff.
Four of his goals did come from the penalty spot and we reported HERE how his prolificness from the spot hilariously sparked a debate that the Portuguese was 'stat-padding'.What on earth is he meant to do, deliberately miss from 12 yards?!The fact United were handed a record number - 14 to be exact - of penalties in 2019/20 has, of course, led to a few salty responses when discussing the impact of Fernandes' arrival.Former Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is the latest to fall into that category, with the Portuguese quoted as saying: "Bruno [Fernandes] came in, was fit, played very well, improved the #mufc team and also proved to be a great penalty taker, one of the best in the world, because he had about 20 to score."
Oh Jose, what are you like?
Fernandes scored from the spot in United's 1-1 draw away at Tottenham in the first round of fixtures after the Premier League's restart.
The Portuguese then thought he had another chance from the spot after winning a penalty in the final minutes of the game, but the decision was overturned by VAR.
Mourinho was visibly annoyed with the incident on the touchline that evening and it appears to be annoying the Spurs manager to this very day.