Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has been used in a deeper role by Ruben Amorim but he has been advised to make a positional change that involves Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United have been told to make a big Bruno Fernandes change
Manchester United have been told to make a big Bruno Fernandes change(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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Ruben Amorim has been told that Kobbie Mainoo could be key to unleashing Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United. The club captain has been utilised in a deeper midfield role since the arrival of Amorim which has resulted in his direct goal contributions decreasing.
The Portugal international still managed 19 goals and 19 assists last season, with that statistic made even more impressive by United's disastrous campaign. Despite Fernandes only picking up three goal contributions this season so far, United have enjoyed a fruitful few months with their recent form particularly impressive.
Wins over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton have arrived consecutively with Fernandes shining alongside Casemiro. A minor tweak from Amorim has seen the former drift forward into more advanced areas with one of the three centre-backs stepping out more aggressively as part of the press.
However, United legend Bryan Robson wants to see Fernandes restored to his attacking role and believes that Mainoo should then replace him in a midfield pivot alongside Casemiro.
“I think Bruno Fernandes himself loves the club and I think Bruno would like to stay and will stay," he admitted to Grovesnor Casinos.
“Kobbie Mainoo can play in that position at a push. But for me, if I was a coach within Man United, I would be trying to develop him so then he can play alongside Casemiro and then Bruno can go off and do what Bruno does brilliantly.
“There's still improvement in Mainoo, but I could see him being in the role where he can be a midfield player who can do both and have a bit more responsibility in the defending side of the game.”
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United in action during a first team training session as part of their pre-season tour of the USA
Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo has fallen down the pecking order for club and country
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Mainoo has struggled for regular minutes in 2025 with the academy graduate denied the chance to go out on loan on deadline day of the summer transfer window. Robson has since stated what he must do to get get back into the starting XI.
The United icon said: “The first year Kobbie Mainoo came into the squad and into the team, he had probably half a season where he played well. In the second season, he was outstanding. He's actually shown the qualities he's got.
“So for me, if he stays away from injuries and gets in the team and gets a run of games, I think he's only going to improve and be a great talent for United.”
“There's still improvement in Mainoo, but I could see him being in the role where he can be a midfield player who can do both and have a bit more responsibility in the defending side of the game.”
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