Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has surprisingly claimed he would start Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes over Arsenal's Martin Odegaard. The Portuguese playmaker has often been criticized by rival fans who arguably don't see how important he is for the Red Devils.
However, Murphy sees what the Old Trafford faithful see from Fernandes, 30, each week. He spoke on talkSPORT and compared the two attacking midfielders:
"If you had Declan Rice and Partey behind Fernandes, I’d probably go Fernandes... It’s a close one. I think Bruno will score you more goals, but Odegaard scores as well. Do you know what? I’d be happy with either."
Murphy highlighted that Odegaard is superior to Fernandes defensively which is debatable. He needn't need reminding of how the 73-cap Portugal international performed astutely at the back late on in United's famous 4-3 win against Liverpool in the FA Cup last season:
“The one thing Odegaard gives you that Bruno doesn’t is better defensive work, Odegaard is better defensively than Bruno. So I think Arteta would pick Odegaard ahead of Bruno even if he had Bruno."
Murphy concluded:
“But for me, I think Bruno has probably just about got the edge on creativity. I’m thinking I wouldn’t need his defensive work if I’ve got two brilliant holding midfielders if I played that way, but there’s not much in it.”
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes or Arsenal's Martin Odegaard
Bruno Fernandes is definitely superior in front of goal than Martin Odegaard, who is currently sidelined with an ankle sprain. Fernandes' availability is also better than that of the Gunners man, as he's only missed three games through injury his entire Old Trafford career. The Norweigan midfielder has missed 11 games, soon to be 12, as he'll sit out Arsenal's clash with Manchester City (September 22).
The Red Devils midfielder has bagged 79 goals and 70 assists in 239 games since joining from Sporting CP in January 2021. Odegaard, in comparison, has managed 35 goals and 25 assists in 156 games since arriving at the Emirates from Real Madrid three years ago.
Fernandes also leads the way with regards to trophies won with United, captaining us to the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. Odegaard was part of the Gunners side that won the FA Community Shield last year.
Red Devil Armada View: Bruno Fernandes is more important than Martin Odegaard
An honest assessment of the two playmakers means looking at how their team performs with or without them. We've seen just how limited we can be creatively without Fernandes serving up chances such as the memorable flick on for Kobbie Mainoo's winner in the FA Cup final last season.
That's not to say Odegaard isn't important for Arsenal as they looked devoid of ideas without him in their 0-0 draw against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League (September 19). Fernandes can pop up with a crucial winner at any time and he seems a louder captain compared to the slick Norway international.
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