3 key passes, 100% long balls, 12 recoveries: Amorim has changed this superstar’s way of playing for the better

Ruben Amorim emerged victorious in his maiden Manchester derby on Sunday as Manchester United produced a stirring late comeback to condemn Pep Guardiola to an eighth defeat in 11 games across all competitions.

Josko Gvardiol had handed the hosts the lead in the first half and it looked like the winner with both sides producing little in terms of clear-cut chances.

But two moments of magic, in the 88th minutes and 90th minute, from Amad Diallo changed the game as the visitors shocked the Etihad Stadium into silence.

The Ivorian won a penalty which was expertly dispatched by captain Bruno Fernandes before Amad scored the winner in the 90th minute to send the away fans into delirium.

Bruno scored yet again

The equalising spot-kick was not easy considering the Portuguese had fluffed his lines a few minutes ago from a one-on-one opportunity.

But the club skipper made no mistake from the spot and since Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, the Portugal international has notched six goals and five assists in 11 games.

Under Amorim, the 30-year-old has often been deployed in a deeper role with the head coach asking the midfielder to stay calm and retain control instead of trying to find a Hollywood pass.

And Fernandes has responded, finishing Sunday’s derby game with 86 percent of his passes finding their mark with three of them being key passes.

All four of his long balls were accurate while he also completed two crosses (stats from sofascore).

Playing deeper meant the Portuguese also had to focus on his defensive discipline and he never shied away from doing the dirty work alongside Manuel Ugarte.

Deeper role suiting him

He made 12 recoveries, the most among his teammates, while completing three tackles and intercepting the ball once. He also cleared the ball twice from danger and won four ground duels.

Having the option to play Fernandes in two separate roles has certainly been a huge boost for Amorim who has completely changed the way the team plays.

No longer does the team rely only on counter-attacks, instead focusing on keeping the ball and trying to be patient in order to carve open the opposition.

And Fernandes’ eye for a pass and ability to keep the ball under pressure have benefitted the team in a huge way with the deeper midfield role suiting the player who likes to have the ball.

Now with the City challenge quelled, Amorim will be hoping for more from his skipper and team and will be demanding consistency as he looks to get United to climb up the league table.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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