Bruno Fernandes or Kevin De Bruyne – who is more influential?

The midfield maestros will go head-to-head at Old Trafford, with a place in the Carabao Cup final at stake.

Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne are star performers for Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively, but who is more important for their team?

Using Premier League statistics since January 1, 2020, the PA news agency takes a look at which of the clubs is more reliant on their playmaker ahead of Wednesday’s derby clash in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Goal contributions

Fernandes has been involved in 33 goals, two more than nearest rival Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, who won the title last season, with De Bruyne back in fifth place on 25.

Goals

Fernandes also has the edge over De Bruyne in terms of goals scored since his arrival in the Premier League. The 26-year-old has hit the back of the net 19 times in the league, with nine coming from the penalty spot. Only Salah (23) has scored more goals. De Bruyne has scored just nine in total, with four of his strikes coming from penalties.

United’s talisman has netted 15 times in all competitions for his club so far this season, while the Belgian has just three goals to his name.

Assists

Sheffield United v Manchester City – Premier League – Bramall Lane — No player has set up more Premier League goals than Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne during the past 12 months (Mike Egerton/PA)

The 29-year-old De Bruyne has eight assists so far this season while Fernandes has seven. They are second and third in the rankings, respectively, behind Kane (11).

Influence since Fernandes joined United?

Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth – Premier League – Old Trafford — Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows the importance of having Bruno Fernandes in his team (Peter Powell/NMC Pool)

However, the same can be said of De Bruyne’s impact. The Belgian has been left out of the starting line-up eight times in the Premier League over the past two seasons and City’s win rate plummeted in those games – down from 70 per cent with him to 37.5 per cent without.