Owen Hargreaves believes that a change to Bryan Mbeumo’s role at Manchester United could solve a huge issue for one of his teammates.
Manchester United have secured only two wins from their opening seven fixtures this season, defeating Chelsea and Burnley.
After last year’s dismal campaign, a solid start was vital, but United have struggled to find consistency in their performances so far.
Their latest loss to Brentford has increased the pressure on Ruben Amorim, with growing doubts over his approach and his ability to turn the team’s fortunes around.
One of the biggest complaints so far this season has been the deeper role Bruno Fernandes has played in, with fans wanting to see the club captain further up the field.
Mbeumo change could solve huge issue for one United star
The new attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo means that Fernandes is less likely to be played further up the pitch.
But ex-United midfield Owen Hargreaves has suggested playing Mbeumo through the middle and having Fernandes play in the no.10 alongside Cunha.
“I’d love to see Bruno play as a 10, maybe with Mbeumo as a No. 9,” he told TNT Sports. ‘If you have Cunha and Bruno playing as two 10s plus Mbeumo, that’s good.
“I just think it’s harsh on Bruno, him being criticised. I can’t imagine where they’d be without him. I said that to him last year, towards the end of the season before the Europa League final.
“They decided to get goals and sign proven Premier League players in Cunha and Mbeumo, which I like, but now Bruno has to play deeper to get on the ball and create. He’s not playing his natural position; he’s playing deeper.
“He’s playing as a box-to-box midfielder. Bruno’s one of the best creators in the division. So you’ve got to play him in his natural position.”
How United could set up with Fernandes in frontline
This is something that Amorim must test out soon, even if it means that Šeško is rotated out of the team at points.
Allowing Fernandes the freedom to play further up alongside Mbeumo and Cunha, while not risking the midfield solidity, could be something that works for the Reds.
Read More: “Why could I not…?” – Ruben Amorim told he should be ‘hurt’ by Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona form
Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro could man the midfield behind that frontline which gives the team a safer base to build from while also ensuring that the club’s best player is playing where he thrives.
It remains to be seen how long Amorim has to turn things around but he can’t continue to play the exact same way. If he isn’t going to adjust the shape, he has to move some players around and it is a no-brainer to put Fernandes into that position.
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