Erik ten Hag must play “majestic” Manchester United star higher up, demands Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand has demanded that Erik ten Hag must play Bruno Fernandes play higher up the pitch at Manchester United this season.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson‘s retirement, Bruno Fernandes stands out as Manchester United‘s most successful signing. Brought in by Ole Gunnar Solskjær in January 2020, the Portuguese international quickly became a pivotal figure for the team and now serves as the club’s captain.

Over four-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford, Fernandes has made 234 appearances, netting 79 goals and providing 66 assists. He has also lifted two trophies under Erik ten Hag‘s management.

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Now 29 and hitting his career peak, Fernandes is set to sign a new contract at the club that will see him stay until 2027, with the club retaining an option to extend this by a further season.

Fernandes returned to action as the club drew 1-1 with Manchester City before losing on penalties, but the Portuguese international was his usual exceptional self as he played an incredibly advanced role, considering Rasmus Højlund’s absence.

Former United centre-back and club legend Rio Ferdinand has called for Ten Hag to make sure he plays Fernandes in high positions even once Højlund returns.

“One thing I would say I want to get with Bruno this season, he was playing in the false nine there today [against Man City] which is great,” he said on the Rio Reacts podcast.

“When Højlund comes back, I just want to see Bruno higher in the positions to just hurt teams.

“When he’s in the final third, there’s no other player in that team that I want on the ball for delivery into other players or for shooting. He is majestic in those positions.”

Against City, United set up with both Mount and Fernandes playing from the front, which could indicate that once Højlund returns or Zirkzee regains full fitness, the club could be looking to use Fernandes as a second striker, much to Ferdinand’s pleasure.

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