Former Manchester United midfielder has revealed some Bruno Fernandes brilliance before Amad’s equaliser against Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United fought back from a 2-1 deficit to win a point against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon. Sean Dyche’s side put up a valiant effort, despite the ongoing turmoil surrounding their management and ownership.
Casemiro netted the first of the game with a cushioned header across goal from a corner, although the set-piece was wrongly awarded and it should’ve been a goal kick. However, the Brazilian didn’t let that stop him from scoring the 19th goal of his United career.
Poor defending from Amad and Diogo Dalot gave Nottingham Forest the lead just after halftime. Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolo Savona scored just after the break, with both goals coming inside the opening five minutes of the second half.
While United were behind for much of the second half, Amad netted the equaliser in the 81st minute with a brilliant volley from the edge of the box. He came close to scoring again just minutes later, but he might not have converted the first if it hadn’t been for Bruno Fernandes.
Hargreaves reveals Fernandes’ brilliance for Amad’s goal
Despite the criticism he receives from the media and ex-players, Fernandes is clearly a very good leader, and one of the few in United’s squad. He showed this again at the City Ground before Amad’s late equaliser.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Owen Hargreaves revealed exactly what Fernandes did: “There’s a point before the corner is taken where Bruno says to Amad, you’re a little bit out of position, and you have to listen to the boss! Exactly where he tells him to stand is where the ball comes, and he finishes it magnificently.”
Without that simple instruction from Fernandes, Amad may not have been in the right place to score the volley that led to United taking one point away from Nottingham on Saturday.
Fernandes’ knowledge of Amorim’s system is exactly what you want from a captain, as he can provide guidance for the rest of the squad.
Set-pieces will always be a complicated matter, so Fernandes’ understanding is crucial, and it proved to be incredibly important on Saturday.
Fernandes could revert to attacking midfield
While his leadership has proved to be brilliant, Fernandes continues to play out of position in the double pivot. The former Sporting CP midfielder has impressed in that role, but could impact the game more if he were to play more advanced.
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When the African Cup of Nations begins, in mid-December, United will be without Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui. Mbeumo has been crucial to United’s frontline, so replacing him won’t be easy, but Amorim may choose to do it with Fernandes.
Kobbie Mainoo could come into central midfield alongside Casemiro, with the captain moving up to the front three. However, Mason Mount will also be hungry for a start in the frontline if he can maintain his impressive form.
Amorim may also use the AFCON to hand Shea Lacey his debut. The youngster is a similar profile to Mbeumo – left-footed on the right wing – and has impressed for the under-21s in recent weeks.
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