Manchester United suffered their second defeat of the season against Manchester City and Paul Scholes believes Bruno Fernandes has struggled with his role in central midfield
Bruno Fernandes.
Paul Scholes believes Bruno Fernandes is being restricted in his role at Man United.
(Image: Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes Bruno Fernandes looks 'lost' in Ruben Amorim's side as the fallout from their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City continues. The Portuguese tactician is coming under pressure after their poor start to the campaign was compounded with their local rivals snatching back bragging rights.
United have just one win in their opening four matches and their problems were laid bare on Sunday during a dismal performance at the Etihad Stadium. After a summer of promise, with an influx of new signings, dark clouds are beginning to form again as the pressure builds on the former Sporting CP head coach.
Fernandes was the standout performer during a torrid campaign last season, so far this term has been deployed in the base of United's midfield.
He continued in the position alongside Manuel Ugarte during Sunday's defeat but Scholes believes he is being restricted in the current system.
He said: “The big question will be about Bruno and his position I think. Having him as one of the central midfielders… look, he’s United’s best player there’s no doubt about it, on the ball he’s brilliant, but going to Man City against a Pep Guardiola team - it took me years to adjust to that position.
"I needed someone next to me that knew the position brilliantly, Nicky (Butt), Roy (Keane) or Michael Carrick.
"You get away with it in 80 percent of the games but you play the best teams, you don’t know where you are.
"You don’t know that position so you don’t do it and that’s what Fernandes is like, he’s lost a little bit.
"He’s trying to do too much and I think it’s taking away his quality.
"You have to go back to recruitment in the summer for that, they bought two number 10s, did they need two number 10s?”
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate.
Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.