3 passes, 0 shots, 1 yellow: United were right to not sign reckless 22-yo star | OneFootball

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The atmosphere at Carrington is incredibly positive heading into Manchester United’s clash against Everton on Sunday.

The Red Devils enjoyed a solid pre-season under Michael Carrick and, after suffering a surprise defeat at the hands of Hull City, they bounced back in style at Old Trafford, scoring five past Ipswich Town.

United’s midfield demonstrated they could be a real menace for opponents this season. Youri Tielemans has quickly settled into life at the club and there is genuine excitement about Carlos Baleba.

United insiders have reportedly highlighted Baleba’s upbeat personality and light-hearted presence around the squad.

Initially, INEOS explored the possibility of signing Mateus Fernandes but, according to ESPN, they chose not to proceed, in part, because he never indicated during talks that his preference was to move to Old Trafford. “It was viewed as a red flag that couldn’t be ignored,” the report states.

At the time, the mentality of Fernandes, who struggled to pick between playing Champions League football with United or joining a club who narrowly avoided relegation, came under scrutiny. Now, his performances in North London are raising more red flags.

Mateus Fernandes enduring nightmare start at Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur have so far played three Premier League matches and are yet to win, settling for two defeats and a draw.

Tottenham spent recklessly over the summer in a bid to strengthen their midfield and frontline to play a more progressive brand of football. However, they have failed to score in all three of their league games, a first in nearly five years. Against Nottingham Forest, they could not even register a shot on target.

Sandro Tonali and Fernandes, who combined cost a whopping £185 million, have not managed to make any positive difference in their new colours, partly because of their own limitations and partly because of how Roberto De Zerbi has utilised them so far.

In particular, Fernandes has been handed just one start, that too as a number ten against Newcastle United.

Spurs agreed to splash £85m on the 22-year-old after seeing how effectively he progressed the ball from box to box as a number eight, but De Zerbi has suggested he prefers Rodrigo Bentancur in that role, pushing the new signing higher up the field.

In the very next game against Nottingham Forest, De Zerbi relegated Fernandes back to the bench in favour of Conor Gallagher and only introduced him in the 83rd minute. His reason for the same should worry the Spurs faithful.

“I have experience to know enough what is this stadium. This stadium is England football and Gallagher he knows better this type of game,” the Italian coach said after the stalemate in Nottingham.

De Zerbi was, however, proven right, as Fernandes looked out of place during his cameo, picking up a yellow card a mere 42 seconds after entering the pitch. In 13 minutes, he completed only three passes, took zero shots, and made no defensive contribution, statistically.

We acknowledge it is still early days and Fernandes has immense potential to prove his critics wrong, but his decision-making, on and off the pitch, should certainly worry his well-wishers.

As far as United are concerned, they can, at least for now, pat themselves on the back for showing restraint and not spending big on a player who has been relegated from the Premier League with his last two clubs and currently sits in the relegation zone with his new side.