Bruno Fernandes’ record against Aston Villa is jaw-dropping, here’s how they can shut him down
On Sunday, Aston Villa host Manchester United in a mouth-watering Premier League showdown, and several superstars will want to grab the headlines.
For Aston Villa, Morgan Rogers is the most likely to produce a moment of magic for Unai Emery, at least on current form.
Rogers scored a wonderful brace last time out as Aston Villa came from behind to beat West Ham at the London Stadium.
All three points against the Hammers kept Villa’s Premier League title ambitions in check, and when United visit B6 this weekend, there’s an opportunity to place even more pressure on Arsenal and Manchester City.
Aston Villa must shut down Bruno Fernandes to secure victory
Whilst Emery has multiple players in form, their opponents also boast a wealth of star-studded talent, including Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese maestro has started the 2025/26 campaign in inspired form with 12 goal involvements in 15 top-flight appearances.
Fernandes scored a sumptuous free kick last time out against Bournemouth in a thrilling 4-4 draw, and he’s also no stranger to producing magic in this fixture.
| Bruno Fernandes record vs Aston Villa |
| 12 appearances |
| 7 goals |
| 3 assists |
| 9 wins |
| 2 draws |
| 1 defeat |
According to the stats, the 31-year-old has scored more goals against Aston Villa than any other club across his career, and only lost one of his 12 appearances.
The former Sporting Lisbon man is evidently Ruben Amorim’s most influential player, and if the hosts are to secure victory, shutting him down will be key.
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How Villa can shut down Fernandes
Fernandes has produced a goal involvement in eight of his Premier League appearances so far. Clubs have attempted to shut him down, but have invariably struggled.
That being said, only four of his 12 returns have come against teams in the top half of the table, suggesting he’s more impactful in meetings with teams closer to the bottom.
To keep him quiet in this fixture, though, Villa’s midfield duo of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana are essential.
Onana and Kamara both excel in winning duels and dominating their opponents, something they can demonstrate against Man United.
The pair have the ball-winning abilities and skillset to prevent Fernandes from dictating proceedings, and everyone knows that shutting the captain down can lead to victory.