Michael Carrick was full of praise for Bruno Fernandes following Manchester United’s impressive victory over rivals Manchester City on the weekend.
Manchester United turned in a dominant performance to secure a 2–0 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
United controlled the match from beginning to end, with Michael Carrick’s side combining disciplined defending with a sharp attacking edge.
The home side scored five times across the 90 minutes, but three efforts were ruled out for tight offside calls. Despite this, goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu ensured a crucial and well-earned win.
Lisandro Martínez was among United’s standout players, producing a composed defensive display and keeping Erling Haaland quiet until the City striker was substituted after 80 minutes.
Meanwhile, club captain Bruno Fernandes ran the show in his natural no.10 position and played a perfect pass to set up Mbeumo’s opener.
What Carrick said about Fernandes after City clash
Fernandes was at his very best against City, with one assist, six chances created and five accurate long passes. He was essentially a second striker out of possession and managed four tackles and eight recoveries.
Carrick praised the captain after the game and explained how much of a ‘threat’ he can be in the no.10 position at Old Trafford.
“Obviously I’ve spoken to Bruno and I’ve known him a long time now,” began Carrick. “I thought again he was fantastic today. The way he played the position, he’s so clever and he takes up spaces.
“He had a big discipline role, him and Bryan [Mbeumo] too defensively as well to protect the team from anything coming through the middle as much as possible.
“It wasn’t all kind of playing and positivity to that point but he’s just got so much quality. He can adapt and playing in that position he’s a real threat and he made the difference.”
Amorim made mistake with Fernandes’ role
Fernandes’ position in the previous system under Ruben Amorim was always something fans debated during his time in charge.
While the Portuguese star could still excel in the deeper roles, seeing him return to his natural position under Carrick shows why Amorim’s plan was a mistake.
It was even on display when he played under Darren Fletcher. He assisted Benjamin Šeško after receiving the ball in an advanced area between the lines.
United do need players who can supply the ball to the forwards but that shouldn’t be Fernandes just because he is capable of it.
It also looks like United are benefiting from a more solid midfield, with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo both producing great performances against City, and Carrick will be hoping that Fernandes keeps producing for the Reds.
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