Stick or twist on Fernandes? The FPL talking point

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes covers his face after missing a penalty against FulhamImage source, Getty Images
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Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty during Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Fulham

Bruno Fernandes' form is one of the big talking points among Fantasy Premier League managers.

The midfielder is owned by more than 20% of players but, after his penalty miss last weekend and Manchester United's shock loss at Grimsby in midweek, managers may be thinking about transferring him out.

So, if you've got Fernandes, should he stay in your side?

FPL Heisenberg and the guys from The FPL Podcast by BBC Sport debate this week's talking point.

Graphic showing that Bruno Fernandes' average position against Fulham was the deepest of all of Manchester United's midfielders, with more time in his own half than the opposition'sImage source, BBC/Opta
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Fernandes' average position (number eight) against Fulham was the deepest of all of Manchester United's midfielders, with more time in his own half than the opposition's

'He's going to get a lot more points' - the case for Fernandes

Statman Dave: You'd be crazy to sell him. He's still on penalties, independent of him missing one against Fulham, and only Leeds' Anton Stach has created more chances in the Premier League. He is still quite vital to United. He takes set-pieces, takes free-kicks, takes corners. He's going to get a lot more points.

I think he's a player you've got to keep at the moment. I wouldn't sell him. His next five fixtures are reasonably good: Burnley at home, Man City away - Bruno has got a pretty decent record against City, Chelsea at home, Brentford away, Sunderland at home.

FPL Heisenberg: Knowing what to do with Fernandes is a real tricky dilemma in FPL right now. Playing deeper has been bad for his attacking potential, but it has been good for his defensive contributions - if he had scored his penalty against Fulham he would have likely ended up on 12 points thanks to the defensive contribution points and likely bonus points too.

I believe Fernandes will be motivated to right his penalty-miss wrong, and Burnley at home could be the ideal opportunity. Should Fernandes be able to get forward more this gameweek, like I expect him to, then that will allow him to create big chances for the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as well as getting shots away from good positions at the edge of the box.

Clinton Morrison: I think he'll assist and he will get you goals. I would stick with Bruno Fernandes. With the penalty, you can blame the referee. I don't know why the referee was walking around him. The ball is still going down Fulham Palace Road, it was that high over the bar.

Graphic showing Fernandes' next five Premier League games:
Burnley at home August 30, Man City away September 14, Chelsea at home September 20, Brentford away September 27, Sunderland at home October 4Image source, BBC Sport/Getty Images

'Can you trust Man Utd assets?' - the case against

FPL Heisenberg: For me, there are more reasons to keep Bruno Fernandes than sell, but if you're looking to reconsider these might be the reasons why.

Firstly, there are arguably plenty of better options at a cheaper price point - the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson from Spurs are competent replacements. There are also the likes of Cody Gakpo and Antoine Semenyo who have started the season well too.

Secondly, you might consider selling if you want to redistribute the funds into another position, such as the expensive forward Erling Haaland. If you do, then you could consider the likes of Elliot Anderson or Tijjani Reijnders who free up plenty of money which can go towards your Haaland fund.

Lastly, with Man United losing to Grimsby in the EFL Cup maybe you feel like you can't trust their assets - even at home to Burnley in gameweek three.

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Too early to Wildcard?