Manchester City suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon and Kevin De Bruyne was one of many players criticised for his performance. The 29-year-old made his five Premier League appearances since returning from injury but is struggling to pick up where he left off.
No player missed the target with more shots than De Bruyne, only one player had a lower pass completion rate and only one player failed to turn over possession like the Belgium international (WhoScored), so he was called out by supporters on social media.
Where will Manchester City finish this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
😂 De Bruyne cannot be fit. He's been absolutely terrible today.
— king (@crazibeetee) March 7, 2021
Shocking from De Bruyne. Been absolutely terrible since he’s been back from injury. Anybody with eyes can see our rhythm has been affected with him back in the side. Get him out.
— Dr. Slosh (mikey.vsn) (@frwrdslosh) March 7, 2021
De Bruyne. I love the man more than u know but tonight he was awful. Our worst player imo. I think he played about 5 or 6 forward passes and was struggling to play a pass at all tbh. Gave the ball away at least a dozen times. He was woeful by his standards doesn’t look right atm.
— Harry (@Harry_891) March 7, 2021
De Bruyne has been so bad today. Should have been substituted at half time
— Rog (@MCFC_Rog) March 7, 2021
De Bruyne was so bad today!
— Adeyemi (@stgboye) March 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/Mw58045911/status/1368660375563075584?s=20
Why is no one talking about the poor game Kevin De Bruyne had today? Anoda game against a top 6 side and he didn't turnup (again). #MCIMNU #MUFC
— Mr. E Osanyin (nObEl) (@E_Osanyin) March 7, 2021
De Bruyne played for 90 minutes, had 87 touches, completed 79.4% of his 63 passes, created eight chances, had four shots with 25% hitting the target, whipped in 10 crosses with 30% finding a teammate, failed to make a tackle, made one clearance, failed to make an interception, gave away two fouls and had two successful dribbles.
The Belgian has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring eight goals and supplying 16 assists, but he’s only contributed one goal in his last five league games (Transfermarkt). Some fans believe City’s rhythm has been badly affected by De Bruyne returning to the midfield, so he’s not having the desired impact of late.