Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim believes that Bruno Fernandes’ long term role will be as a midfielder.
The United captain has made a name for himself as a number 10 under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag during his Old Trafford career.
The 30 year old has excelled with goals and assists and already has 11 goal contributions this season despite not being anywhere near his sparkling best.
Many have questioned where Fernandes will fit into Amorim’s 3-4-3 as it makes use of two number 10 players who drift out wide.
The Portuguese international did struggle at times when he started in this position in the first half against Ipswich Town at the weekend, but a tactical adjustment at half-time saw him drop back into the midfield.
He started as Manuel Ugarte’s partner in the centre of park at home to Bodo/Glimt yesterday night and put in a solid performance.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game Amorim explained exactly why he saw Fernandes as a midfielder rather than an attacker.
Explaining his tactical tweak he stated, “you can feel he is the most experienced player, the example. Sometimes we start the play and Bruno is the right man to start with the tempo of the play.”
He went on to claim that Bruno is “the best one” at switching play and that this would be paramount to how he wants to go about winning football matches.
“That is why, I think he is a midfielder. If you see this game, Mason Mount was always with his back to goal, it is hard but Bruno is better with the goal in front.”
United fans will certainly be happy that Amorim seems to have a plan for their beloved captain but certain questions will be raised.
Would Amorim deploy him this deep against better opposition or away from home and what are the implications for Kobbie Mainoo’s long term position at United? These are just some of the questions United’s new exciting manager must solve in the coming weeks and months.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
