Bruno Fernandes has opened up on playing in a deeper midfield role under Rúben Amorim in the manager’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Rúben Amorim has come under serious criticism for his use of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes since he replaced Erik ten Hag in November 2024.
The Portuguese international is widely regarded as one of the best no.10s in world football, but has been used in a deeper role under Amorim alongside Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte, with Kobbie Mainoo forced to the bench.
The arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha showed that Amorim plans to use Fernandes in the double pivot permanently, as the two new additions both occupy the no.10 positions.
Fernandes delivered some outstanding performances in a deeper role last season, but has struggled to perform in that position consistently.
Fernandes opens up on his role under Amorim
During a press conference while away on international duty with Portugal, Fernandes was asked about the position Amorim has used him in.
“I love playing football, whatever the position,” Fernandes said when asked about playing in a midfield pivot. They can put me at full-back, winger, goalkeeper. I’ll always give my best.”
Seemingly a positive answer, but Fernandes then made a comment which suggested he may not feel fully comfortable playing in a deeper role. “Everyone has their preferences, but we have to adapt to the coach’s ideas,” the United captain continued.
Fernandes has been criticised for his leadership skills since becoming United captain, but his willingness to be played out of position shows his qualities as a leader.
Why has Amorim used Fernandes in a deeper role?
Since arriving at Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes has consistently been the most prolific creator in the Premier League.
Typically, most managers would want a player like this high up the pitch. Amorim, however, has chosen to use Fernandes in a midfield pivot.
The former Sporting CP midfielder was also used in a deeper role on a few occasions by Erik ten Hag, but this wasn’t a regular occurrence.
To most people, using a creator of Fernnades’ quality in a double pivot may seem illogical, but there is rational reasoning behind it.
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Fernandes’ passing range is absolutely sensational and from a deeper role, he finds himself in positions where he can showcase his passing range. He also works extremely hard and covers a lot of ground, which is key for the deeper midfielders in Amorim’s system.
Because of his poor start to the season, it’s now very easy to say Fernandes should be used as an attacking midfielder, but United’s skipper played some of his best football in a United shirt last season from a deeper role.
United, in their current state, probably do get the best out of Fernandes from the no.10 position, but in a team that actually controls games, pinning opposition teams back and sustaining pressure, Fernandes could very easily play in a deeper role.
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