Who remembers when Ruben Amorim played Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role at Manchester United?
That feels like an eternity and countless assists ago now that Michael Carrick has got United firing on all cylinders, and put one of Europe's best creators in a creator's role.
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It was easy to forget just how good Fernandes is when he was tasked with acting as a deep-lying connector for the sake of Amorim's failing system.
But Old Trafford has been sent more than one reminder about his quality in the last two months, particularly against Aston Villa.
Why Fernandes should be a Player of the Year contender
Allow Fernandes to run the show and there will likely be a spectacle at Old Trafford. Carrick has been aware of that from the very start of his interim reign and it should be the first message for the next manager, whoever that may be.
The Portugal midfielder is the Premier League's chief creator and is just four assists from matching Thierry Henry's famous record, with seven games left to play.
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Fernandes is almost definitely a Player of the Year contender and should finally be recognised for the levels that he's reached since joining Man United, even as the club has fallen around him at times.
However, there does exist a future in which Man United won't be able to call on their talisman. At 31 years old, the Red Devils must ensure that they've got a long-term replacement in mind.
Just ask Amorim - playing without someone of Fernandes' quality in the creator's role can lead to disastrous consequences.
That's the bad news, but the good news is that Man United won't have to look far for that replacement. In fact, they can simply take a trip to Carrington to find their next Fernandes and someone who could be a Wayne Rooney repeat.
Man United's homegrown Bruno Fernandes
Whilst the headlines may be centred around Max Dowman after becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, it won't be long until JJ Gabriel is pushing to steal that record.
Youngest goalscorers in Premier League history (Dowman, Vaughan timeless)
The Man United youngster, still just 15 years old, has a remarkable record this term, scoring 20 goals in 22 games for the U18s. As Statman Dave put it, he is a "ridiculous talent" who is destined to make his mark on first-team football sooner rather than later.
The forward is already playing three years up, yet has still looked untouchable at youth level this season. It wouldn't be absurd to suggest that the only obstacle between himself and a first-team opportunity has been the Premier League's age restrictions.
As soon as he hits 16, Carrick must hand him the first of many senior games. For now, however, the interim boss is looking on in awe of this special teenage superstar.
"We're always trying to give that exposure to players, for them to come and train and feel it. JJ is a big talent. It's pretty obvious to know that and he's had a really good season for the U18s", Carrick said a few weeks ago. "We obviously think an awful lot of him. But patience is important in managing everything that comes with that."
Of course, it wasn't so long ago that another 16-year-old star was stealing Premier League headlines. A certain teenage Rooney scored his first Premier League goal at that age, scoring a historic effort against Arsenal. The stage has since been set for Dowman and will be set for Gabriel in the near future.
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It bodes well for Man United and their search for a Fernandes replacement, too. Gabriel's ball-striking ability is particularly similar to Fernandes. The way his efforts have dipped and swerved at youth level have left fans in awe.
It's also clear to see how much of a talented dribbler the teenager is. It's the type of trait which will dictate games in the same way that Fernandes' passing range currently does.
After a disastrous 2025, say it quietly, but the future is beginning to look bright at Old Trafford.
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