How Ruben Amorim Has Transformed Bruno Fernandes’ Role At Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjær in January 2020, adding to United’s attacking threat. The Portuguese playmaker was signed as a No. 10, playing just behind the striker and often running beyond them into the box. Fernandes’ goal threat was unmatched.

In his first Premier League campaign, he played just 14 games but registered 15 goal contributions (eight goals and seven assists). The following year saw Fernandes play 37 Premier League games, scoring 18 and assisting 11. While he has still been impressive, Bruno Fernandes is yet to reach those levels again, possibly due to the constant managerial changes at United. Each manager has seen the United captain differently and his role has changed frequently.

Where Is Bruno Fernandes Playing Now?

Ruben Amorim has trialed Fernandes in several positions in his 3-4-2-1 formation, but in recent weeks he has played every game as a deep midfielder. Perhaps this was due to the absence of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte. However, since the Uruguayan’s return, Fernandes has continued to play as one of the two central midfielders, often playing deeper than Ugarte despite his attacking routes.

Playing Bruno Fernandes deeper allows Amorim’s team to control possession better, an aspect of the game that he sees as very important. The Manchester United captain is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, allowing the Red Devils to retain the ball and move it up the pitch with more success. Kobbie Mainoo is still a young player and Manuel Ugarte shines when out of possession rather than on the ball, but Fernandes can dictate play in the way Ruben Amorim needs.

One aspect of Fernandes’ new role is playing as a single pivot ahead of the back three (pictured above). His midfield partner (in both cases, Manuel Ugarte) pushes up into the attack and Bruno Fernandes is left to dictate play when he receives the ball. The Portuguese midfielder has options in every direction when he receives possession and this gives him complete freedom to conduct play. No other Manchester United player has the required skillset to play this role and it would have to change from a single to a double pivot, meaning the team has less attacking threat.

Bruno Fernandes is a player who worries the opposition; they like to surround him with multiple players to counter the threat he holds. However, this only creates more space further up the pitch for United to attack.

Bruno Fernandes doesn’t always play as the single pivot; sometimes he drops into the backline alongside Harry Magure (pictured above). This means he can receive the ball without pressure and conduct the rest of the team rather than control possession. As Amorim’s captain, he has to instruct players on where to be and he is often seen marshalling his teammates before moving the ball.

The 30-year-old’s biggest strength is his tactical intelligence; he takes time to understand the tactics of his manager and then deploys them on the pitch. While his own qualities often shine through, you can see how much he replicates Amorim’s instructions. Fernandes almost operates as a player/coach while playing for the Red Devils, in a similar way to Tom Huddelstone and Tommy Rowe have for United’s under-21s team.

How Important Is Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United?

Bruno Fernandes is absolutely crucial to Ruben Amorim and any success that Manchester United have in the near future. He is not only United’s best creator but one of the only players who understands Amorim’s tactics.

In recent weeks, his captaincy has come under scrutiny, with several fans and former professionals questioning his leadership. However, Bruno Fernandes is the linchpin of this Manchester United team. They would be lost without him by their side. A quality playmaker and a quality captain.