The final scoreline at Molineux – 4-1 to Manchester United – suggested a comfortable victory, but the first half painted a far more troubling picture. Wolves, previously struggling for goals, broke a 540-minute drought, leveling the match and exposing vulnerabilities in the United lineup.
Bruno Fernandes, despite ultimately contributing two goals and an assist, faced scathing criticism from former United defender Paul Parker. Parker didn’t mince words, labeling Fernandes’ initial performance as “absolutely terrible,” a stark contrast to the praise heaped upon him by some observers.
Fernandes’ opening goal, a scrambled effort, did little to mask the underlying issues. Parker pointed to a consistent pattern of careless giveaways, highlighting poor decision-making that threatened to derail United’s attack. It was a performance, Parker argued, that Fernandes somehow managed to escape scrutiny for.
The team’s overall intensity noticeably waned after taking the lead, and a crucial cohesion in the final third was missing. This lack of collective sharpness allowed Wolves to capitalize, exposing a fragility that threatened to turn the game on its head.
However, the introduction of Lisandro Martinez from the bench injected a much-needed dose of composure and control into United’s play. Returning from a significant ACL injury, Martinez immediately asserted himself, demonstrating qualities that appeared absent in others.
Parker was particularly struck by Martinez’s immediate impact as a leader. He wasn’t simply playing the game; he was actively directing teammates, urging them forward, and organizing the defense with a natural authority.
This leadership, Parker emphasized, isn’t about wearing an armband. It’s about demanding more from those around you, a quality Martinez possesses instinctively, even after limited playing time following a lengthy injury layoff.
The contrast between Martinez’s leadership and Fernandes’ captaincy was particularly pointed. While Fernandes holds the armband due to his perceived importance to the team, Parker believes he lacks the innate drive to elevate the performance of his colleagues in the same way.
Martinez, despite his limited minutes, immediately stepped into a leadership role, organizing and directing his teammates. This inherent quality, Parker suggested, is something Fernandes simply doesn’t offer, despite his status as captain.
The game ultimately ended in victory for United, but Parker’s analysis offered a sobering assessment. While Fernandes’ contributions were undeniable, his initial struggles and lack of visible leadership were a cause for concern, particularly when contrasted with the immediate impact of Martinez’s return.
