BRUNO Fernandes might not be the only Manchester United star facing burnout after it emerged that Harry Maguire is the hardest working player in the Premier League.
Old Trafford chiefs are reportedly worried about the demands put on Fernandes, 26, since he joined in January and the toll they have taken on his physical and mental wellbeing.
He has already notched up 26 games, scored 14 goals and provided ten assists since his £55million move from Sporting Lisbon, and walked off with the club’s player of the year as a result.
But he was taken off at half-time during Sunday’s 6-1 thrashing by Spurs in a clear sign that he needs a break.
However, it is under-fire skipper Maguire, who was hammered for his part in the Tottenham debacle, who could do with putting his feet up the most.
The England centre-back has played more minutes in all competitions than any Premier League player since the start of February, when Fernandes made his United debut.
The tireless 27-year-old, who now faces up to three international games, has racked up a total of 2,400 minutes in all competitions, ahead of Wolves workhorses Willy Boly and Conor Coady.
Virgil Van Dijk and Rui Patricio complete the top five while Fernandes justifies calls for him to be given a break by appearing at sixth in the list.
Maguire was an ever present in the league last season and was only rested for a handful of cup games thanks to his impressive fitness record.
Despite helping United keep the most clean sheets in Europe last year, there have been doubts about his partnership with Victor Lindelof.
Maguire looks like he could do with a break as United are humbled by SpursCredit: Ian Hodgson – Daily Mail
Fernandes was taken off by Solskjaer during the drubbing by TottenhamCredit: AP:Associated Press
And after Sunday’s shambles alongside Eric Bailly, some have questioned his automatic selection in the team.
United had tried to bring in another centre back in the transfer window and are now being tipped to land RB Leipzig starlet Dayot Upamecano, 21, next summer in a bargain £36m raid.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also failed to add either Jadon Sancho or Jack Grealish to the the attacking ranks.
But the addition of long-term target Donny van de Beek from Ajax could mean that Fernandes at least gets the break United chiefs fear their talisman desperately needs.
Man Utd concerned about Bruno Fernandes’‘mental and physical wear’ after being subbed at half-time in Spurs drubbing
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
