Bruno Fernandes has been a man on a mission since Michael Carrick took over, and even his Portugal displays are now embarrassing Ruben Amorim.
The performances under Ruben Amorim were good by Bruno Fernandes, but it always felt like they were good despite Amorim, not because of him.
Michael Carrick’s appointment proved as much, with the Man Utd captain thriving in his natural role and powering the club’s UCL charge.
He has now embarrassed Amorim at international level as well with a maverick performance for Portugal against Mexico despite a 0-0 draw.
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal shoots during an international friendly between Mexico and Portugal at Banorte Stadium on March 28, 2026
Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images
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Bruno Fernandes pulls the strings for Portugal as No. 10
Fernandes played in his favoured No. 10 position against Mexico, something manager Roberto Martinez has been adamant about.
Martinez has always maintained that Fernandes’ gifts on the ball are best used further forward, and he proved the same even when Amorim was at the helm at Old Trafford.
Against Mexico, Fernandes started as the No. 10, with runners around him to get on the end of his passes.
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As a result, he pulled the strings of the attack, creating the most chances for his team (five), two of which were categorised as “big chances”.
With 61 touches and five passes into the final third, Fernandes was let down by his teammates’ finishing because his performance was worthy of an assist or two. [Stats courtesy FotMob]
He was freed from defensive responsibility, and the result was a genius at work who had eyes at the back of his head and created chances at will.
Fernandes embarrasses Amorim and vindicates Carrick
This game, despite being goalless, was yet another in a long line of fixtures to expose just how shackled Fernandes was under Amorim.
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Kobbie Mainoo playing for England against Uruguay
Photo by Alex Davidson – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Playing one of the best creators in the world away from the goal was a tactical crime. His performances since Amorim’s sacking prove it.
At the same time, Fernandes is vindicating Carrick in style, who deserves more credit because sometimes, the simplest answer is the right one.
You don’t have to be a tactical genius to realise that putting players in their best positions makes them play better, which is what Carrick has done.
He’s benefiting from it as Fernandes continues to embarrass Amorim and vindicate Carrick with a series of breathtaking displays from the No. 10 position.
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