One Manchester United star impressed while on international duty, as he played in a different role that Rúben Amorim could utilise against Manchester City.
Despite the troubling results at the start of this season, several Manchester United players have been called up to their national sides.
Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were called up to the Portugal squad alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, but Dalot was forced to withdraw from the squad earlier in the week due to a muscle problem.
Matthijs de Ligt was called up to the Netherlands squad, while Patrick Dorgu met up with United loanee Rasmus Højlund for the Denmark squad. Chido Obi was called up to the Denmark under-21s side.
Several key players remained in Manchester during the break however, namely Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, who both suffered an injury against Burnley. Their replacements – Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo – also missed out on international duty.
Fernandes impresses in Portugal win
Against Armenia, Fernandes returned to his former position and played as an attacking midfielder in a dominant 5-0 win for Portugal, where Fernandes created four chances and made four passes into the final third, via FotMob.
Impressing as an attacking midfielder is a positive sign for Rúben Amorim, as Fernandes could be forced into a position change against Manchester City, with Cunha and Mount looking likely to miss the game.
Since the start of the season, the United captain has played the majority of his minutes as a central midfielder alongside Casemiro, but he could be set for a return to the frontline.
However, Portugoal has said that the “match passed him by” in relation to Fernandes’ performance against Armenia, something that Amorim can’t afford to happen against City if he wants to win.
Ugarte could partner Casemiro
With Fernandes set to move into Amorim’s front three, the manager has to decide who will partner Casemiro in the double pivot.
If Amorim wants to be more defensively solid, he could play Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro in central midfield with Fernandes further forward. However, this could further upset Kobbie Mainoo, who has already asked to leave United.
Alternatively, Amorim could leave Fernandes in the double pivot and play Benjamin Šeško and Joshua Zirkzee with Bryan Mbeumo in the front three.
The team selection on Sunday afternoon could be very telling for Mainoo and Ugarte’s future as United players.
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