Bruno Fernandes has made a poor start to the new season, but his position in Ruben Amorim's system is not helping.
Bruno Fernandes pictured after the derby defeat.(Image: 2025 CameraS2025 )
Bruno Fernandes is Manchester United's best player and Ruben Amorim isn't getting the best out of him.
Fernandes has been permanently deployed in the deeper midfield role this season and has struggled with the position's intricacies, which is a problem that must be addressed.
Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw were both culpable for Manchester City's opening goal on Sunday, allowing Jeremy Doku to burst into the box, but Phil Foden was unmarked and Fernandes failed to track his man.
Fernandes looked at the 'danger' when the real threat was behind him. He glanced at Foden for a moment before turning away, which provided the City midfielder with a chance to break free into the box.
The same thing happened against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Fulham's equaliser could have been prevented in the build-up, but Fernandes was closest to Emile Smith Rowe and lost his man.
Fernandes lost Foden for City's first goal.
Speaking after the City defeat, Amorim was pressed on his decision to play Fernandes in the pivot and said: "Guys, I understand how football is. The results will dictate all the narratives. Against Arsenal, who is playing against Arsenal? Do you think we play well? Do you think we are the better team?
"Do you think that (Martin) Odegaard, (Declan) Rice and (Martin) Zubimendi are three top midfielders? They play with three. We play with two. One was Casemiro, the other was Bruno.
"Sometimes it is the dynamic of the team. Sometimes it is an opportunity that you score. I see it that way. I know that it is really hard for people [to understand]. The fans don't want to hear me saying these things. I know that they are not going to listen to nothing and be upset. With that, I cannot do nothing.
"I am trying to be rational and I don't lie to myself. I see the record. I understand the frustration of everybody and I understand any decision that came with that. But that conversation about the two midfielders, the pair, Kobbie and Manu, I understand all these narratives. But then when I look at certain games, we play with two. It is the same thing.
"Today when you imagine the game, why not use Amad, Bryan, Sesko and Bruno behind with the ball? To be the first guy receiving the ball and then with a lot of pace in front.
"I am trying to do different things, trying to imagine the game. And then when you don't win, it doesn't work, you take the critics. But that's it."
Fernandes made the same mistake against Fulham.
Amorim is asking Fernandes to operate in a role that doesn't play to his strengths and he is struggling with the nuances of the position, particularly the defensive aspects.
United's head coach was right to suggest Fernandes had a decent game against Arsenal, but United still lost that match and his subsequent displays have been below his high standards.
The problem is there isn't a perfect position for Fernandes in Amorim's system. Fernandes is a central playmaker and the No.10 roles in Amorim's formation have slightly different demands. The deeper midfield role requires Fernandes to track runners, which isn't something he is comfortable with.
However, the evidence this season suggests United would be better off with Fernandes higher up the pitch, albeit he would have to rotate with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Fernandes' work ethic, ability to win possession and eye for a pass mean that he can play in the deeper midfield role, but he can't produce his best performances when he operates there.
Amorim raised eyebrows when he said Kobbie Mainoo is competing with Fernandes for a starting role in the team. Fernandes has started every Premier League this season game in that role, despite making a poor start to the campaign.
The midfield is a big issue. When the transfer window closed, club sources said strengthening the midfield was never a priority due to the versatile and strong options in the squad.
United are four games into the Premier League season and overlooking the midfield as a priority already feels like a mistake. However, Amorim must make do and get the best out of the players he has.
Relocating Fernandes to a more prominent midfield position is probably a good place to start.