Manchester United failed to make it three consecutive victories in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon as they drew 0-0 with struggling Watford at Old Trafford.The Red Devils had beaten Brighton 2-0 and Leeds United 4-2 in the top-flight before their meeting with the Hornets as well as a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.With an xG of 2.53, Ralf Rangnick's side were incredibly wasteful against the Hertfordshire outfit, with midfielder Bruno Fernandes particularly struggling to find a clinical edge in the final third.
According to SofaScore, the 27-year-old, who wore the captain's armband with Harry Maguire on the bench, took eight shots, two of which on target, two off and four blocked as he struggled to find the breakthrough for United.
Moreover, the Portugual international lost possession 21 times whilst also winning just three out of eight attempted duels alongside producing only two successful dribbles.
Compared to his Manchester United teammates, Fernandes received the second-joint lowest rating alongside Anthony Elanga at 6.9/10, with Cristiano Ronaldo stumbling to a 6.7.
Saturday afternoon was yet another occasion this term where the 27-year-old has failed to step up when most needed, having scored six goals in all competitions since the opening day of the Premier League season, compared to the 28 goals scored in 58 games during the 2020/21 campaign.
Prior to Roy Hodgson's side's visit to Old Trafford, Fernandes had started to show signs of reigniting form similar to that of last season scoring in back-to-back league games against Brighton and Leeds and should've gotten himself on the scoresheet.
Former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen stated back in December, "It’s as if Fernandes was always looking for Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Nine out of 10 times, he tries to find Ronaldo and if this doesn’t work, he gets impatient and begins to try very difficult things.
"Bearing in mind the way he began at United, we want to see much more of him."
The draw sees the Red Devils remain fourth, however, it provides fifth-place Arsenal with a major opportunity to solidify a place in the top four.
The Gunners have three games in hand on United and are just two points behind them. However, Mikel Arteta's side aren't in league action this weekend so their opportunity to pounce will have to wait.
Moreover, it's United's fifth draw this month with Rangnick's side winning just two out of their last seven matches across all competitions.