Manchester United have provided the latest on Bruno Fernandes following an unusual decision from Portugal during the international break.
Manchester United step back into Premier League action this weekend, with Rúben Amorim taking his side to face Manchester City.
Neither Amorim nor Pep Guardiola have found consistency so far. United’s record stands at one win, one draw and one defeat, while City have also taken just three points from their first three games, leaving them 13th in the standings.
The derby now offers both clubs the chance to spark their season into life and pile more pressure on their rivals in what has been a chaotic opening to the campaign.
The last time the two met at the Etihad, United stunned City with a late turnaround, as Bruno Fernandes and Amad struck to seal a dramatic 2-1 win on the eve of the new year.
United issue Fernandes injury clarification
Fernandes is a very unique player. His availability, often seen as one of the most signifiacnt qualities in football, is remarkable, having missed only a handful of games through injury across his entire career.
More often than not for United, the Portuguese international will play all 90 minutes of games for the Reds, often twice a week when the club are competing in European competition.
So, during the international break, it worried a few when the 31-year-old was taken off after 66 minutes during Portugal’s 3-2 win over Hungary on Tuesday evening.
However, United have clarified on their club website that despite the unusual early withdrawal for Fernandes, there is “no suggestion of an injury” to the club captain, and that he will therefore be available for selection on Sunday afternoon.
Fernandes’ position could change vs City
So far this season, Fernandes has operated as part of Amorim’s midfield two in the Premier League, which has caused signifiacnt debate.
While some feel his delivery and on-the-ball qualities suit him playing deeper and distinct play, others think his instinct for creating and scoring warrants Fernandes playing higher up on the pitch and closer to goal.
However, with the fitness of both Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha in question following injuries to the pair against Burnley, the 31-year-old may be pushed back into the front three, on the left flank.
Kobbie Mainoo is the man sitting behind Fernandes in the pecking order, and Amorim may choose to play Fernandes alongside Benjamin Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo across the front line, with Mainoo sitting deeper, alongside Ugarte.
Amorim is expected to hand out an update on Cunha and Mount on Friday afternoon during his pre-match press conference. Once it’s known whether or not the duo can play, it will become more apparent where Fernandes could be fielded on Sunday afternoon.
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