Bruno Fernandes has approved of Ruben Amorim’s tactical adjustment ahead of next season, as the Red Devil’s seek to incorporate two new signings.
Since rejecting the advances of Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal, many have queried what the future holds for Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese maestro was offered an incredibly lucrative deal, but after a long deliberation with his family, decided to dedicate his services to his current side instead.
During Fernandes’ time as a United player, he has typically played as a number ten, taking on the role as the key source of creativity behind the striker. However, since the appointment of Ruben Amorim, he has often played far deeper.
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation doesn’t involve the use of a typical number ten, and instead opts for two central midfielders, with two wide tens, that are almost wingers/inside forwards.
With new acquisition Matheus Cunha seemingly set to start on the left side of the front three, and Bryan Mbeumo being targeted for the right side, Fernandes will likely have to operate in a deeper role yet again.
Fernandes approves of deeper role
Speaking in March 2024, via Manchester Evening News, United’s captain explained that he is open to moving deeper, like he has done recently under Amorim.
“In terms of passing, game organisation, defence, tactics, I have a little thought in my head that I’m going to end my career further back, because everyone who started there and went to No.10 ended up retreating on the field at the end,” he said.
“It’s a position I like, playing deeper, facing the game more. With the ball, it makes my game a lot easier because I have a broader view of the game and it is ideal for what we’ve talked about with the last pass, which can sometimes come from deeper on the pitch.”
The 30-year-old midfielder proved on many occasions last season that he is indeed capable of playing in this deeper role, as he managed to accumulate 19 goals and 20 assists in his 57 appearances.
This admission will be music to the ears of Fernandes’ fellow countryman Amorim, who will be delighted to know that his star player is happy to operate from deep, allowing his new additions to slot into the front three.
What does this mean for United’s midfielders?
Although Fernandes operating from deep is probably the best-case scenario for Amorim, it does beg the question, who will pair alongside him?
With Kobbie Mainoo seemingly not being favoured for the pivot, and Casemiro not getting any younger, it is incredibly likely that a new midfielder will be purchased to accommodate United’s star man this summer.
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United have previously been linked with Atalanta’s Ederson, as well as Middlesborough’s Hayden Hackney, but there have been no concrete moves reported as of yet.
If Sir Jim Ratcliffe is to successfully turn the fortunes of the club around, attaining the right centre midfield profile alongside Fernandes could be crucial.
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