How Fernandes’ first 100 games compares with Man Utd legends

Planet Football • 04 Dec 2021

Bruno Fernandes has made a brilliant start to his Manchester United career – but how does his record compare to their all-time greats?

Fernandes joined United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 and has undoubtedly been their standout performer over the last two years.

Using data from transfermarkt, we’ve taken a look at his first 100 games in all competitions and compared his record with some of the best United players of all time.

As the stats show, Fernandes averaged a direct goal contribution at a similar rate to Robin van Persie, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Eric Cantona.

Admittedly, Fernandes scored more penalties than any other player on this list, but he’s also the only midfielder in a list of forwards.

Bruno Fernandes

Games: 100
Starts: 90
Sub appearances: 10

Goals: 45
Assists: 34

Penalties scored: 21

Minutes per goal: 177.9
Minutes per non-penalty goal: 333.4
Minutes per goal or assist: 101.2

Robin van Persie

Games: 100
Starts: 87
Sub appearances: 13

Goals: 57
Assists: 21

Penalties scored: 6

Minutes per goal: 134.7
Minutes per non-penalty goal: 150.5
Minutes per goal or assist: 98.4

READ: Fergie’s farewell gift: Robin van Persie’s fairytale debut season at Man Utd

Wayne Rooney

Games: 100
Starts: 90
Sub appearances: 10

Goals: 38
Assists: 19

Penalties scored: 0

Minutes per goal: 215.9
Minutes per non-penalty goal: 215.9
Minutes per goal or assist: 143.9

28th September 2004: Wayne Rooney makes his Manchester United debut…

12' ⚽️
28' ⚽️
54' ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/fzttUr1stF

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 9, 2017