Bruno Fernandes' uncertainty around his future at Manchester United becomes the latest of the negative news currently surrounding the club as United deal with another poor start to the season.
What will Baleba bring to Manchester United?
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It was a bad day all round for Manchester United, a dismal display on derby day, losing 1-0 to a ten-man Man City, and Fernandes' future remains uncertain as to whether he will still be at the club come this time next season.
The first few minutes of the game saw City pin United back and try to get an early lead, but after that strong start, United were the better side until Foden's red card after a kick-out on Fernandes.
Strangely enough, after the sending off, the game went flat, and as Gary Neville said on commentary, rather than playing quick football to tyre City's defence and create an opening, United chose a slow and controlled approach in possession, leading to a scoreless first half.
United started the second half positively; however, against the run of play, City scored the opener in a rather controversial fashion with a goal that seemed clearly offside. After that, United were unable to break City's defence down, resulting in a frustrating and poor 1-0 loss.
After such an unexpectedly poor start to the season, earning four points in four games where most fans would have wanted at least nine, Carrick's doubters increase, and with the Fernandes contract issue lingering, matters could get worse.
Ornstein speaks on Fernandes' contract
David Ornstein recently discussed Bruno Fernandes' situation and how it could add fuel to the growing fire of issues surrounding Man United as of late.
"We understand that Bruno Fernandes continues to be in talks with United over a new contract, but there is no breakthrough; it is at an impasse," Ornstein told Sky Sports.
"He's got this season, and then the club-held option for another year afterwards. So there is all manner of issues here at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch."
Bruno Fernandes recently turned 32, which could play a major role in the club's decision to replace the current PFA Player of the Year, as many assume his best years are behind him and a drop-off in performance could be imminent.
At 32 years of age and a year left on his contract, many would assume that this would be his last dance at United, but Fernandes is not like most players. He continues to have an obsession with success, specifically with Man United, and after having arguably his best season at 31, his age will not bother him.
Furthermore, he recently became the first player this season in the Premier League, to score a hat-trick, showing no signs of slowing down.
Another point worthy of note is how long the contract process took with Kobbie Mainoo last season. It was unanimously agreed within the fanbase that he deserved a new contract, and all the reports alluded to the idea that it would get done, yet the club still took a long time sorting out the situation.
Therefore, despite Manchester United seemingly procrastinating around dealing with the situation, the likelihood remains that he will sign a new contract, as the fans will want that, as the player still has the desire to win silverware.
How does Carlos Baleba affect Bruno's future?
The signing of Carlos Baleba by Manchester United will no doubt be an absolute game-changer for Michael Carrick and his team, but the question is, just how much will he change the team?
A controversial Erling Haaland goal gave 10-man Manchester City the win at Old Trafford, as Michael Carrick’s Manchester United failed to capitalise on a crucial man advantage.roundtable.ioMan Utd 0-1 Man City Player Ratings As VAR Steals The Show (Premier League)
A controversial Erling Haaland goal gave 10-man Manchester City the win at Old Trafford, as Michael Carrick’s Manchester United failed to capitalise on a crucial man advantage.
Baleba stands out from the rest of United's midfield options through his defensive capabilities, such as his pace, strength, height, and superb tackling.
With this being said, many would assume that he will take the spot of either Kobbie Mainoo, or Youri Tielemans in the two that play behind Bruno Fernandes. This may be the case at the beginning of Baleba's United career, however, Carrick and United could have a different plan for the future.
Due to the lack of standout attacking midfielders on the market, and the recent success of European Champions, PSG, United may look at a midfield three, rather than two eights and a ten.
A midfield three of Baleba, Mainoo, and Tielemans would provide many positives, but most importantly, fluidity as they can all defend and be a threat going forward, meaning that United will not have to replace Fernandes; they will just have to re-model, and if the re-model is a success when introduced either this season or next, it could decide Bruno's fate.
Carrick will probably take the simple approach of implementing Baleba in the two behind Fernandes, as he remains one of the best players in the league, if not the world; however, it will be an interesting topic to keep an eye on in the future.