Debrief: Bruno leading through creativity, Bissouma’s form and Man City midfield

The most creative player in the Premier League this season is Bruno Fernandes. He has the highest expected assists total – a purer measure of creativity than actual assists given that it does not depend on a colleague's finishing. He is consistent too.

There are 20 players in the Premier League who have an expected assists total of 0.5 or more in a single game this season - their passes effectively worth half a goal. Only two have done it more than once so far. Kaoru Mitoma has done it twice but Fernandes has achieved the feat in all three of Manchester United's matches.

It has been an underwhelming start by Erik ten Hag's team but what was noticeable inside the ground at Old Trafford for their comeback win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday was Fernandes' role in driving the team on. His bravery on the ball is key.

There were groans when he picked out Marcus Rashford with a square pass from a free-kick early in the second half. Many wanted to see the ball go into the box. They were frustrated but Fernandes was on the move for the return pass. He set up Casemiro to equalise and went on to score the winner himself from the penalty spot.

Fernandes' leadership is frequently questioned because of more trivial matters such as body language. But Ten Hag recognises that leadership takes many forms. Fernandes has personality on the pitch and is willing to take responsibility with the ball at his feet.

"He played a very good game at the highest level," said Ten Hag in the press conference after the game against Forest. "Keeping calm, for instance, keeping his emotions under control and in the right moment using his emotions. He was brilliant in attacking, making the difference. I am very pleased with his performance."

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