Ruben Amorim reveals Bruno Fernandes plan after surprise position change

  • Fernandes deployed in midfield pivot during Man Utd's win over Bodo/Glimt
  • Mason Mount joined Garnacho & Hojlund in attack
  • Amorim explains thought process behind tactical surprise
Fernandes had a surprise new role
Fernandes had a surprise new role / Gareth Copley/GettyImages
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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has argued Bruno Fernandes is his best option for a deeper midfield role after trialling a new position for the Portugal international in Thursday's win over Bodo/Glimt.

Fernandes, primarily an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, had been expected to feature in Amorim's forward line but was surprisingly dropped back into a midfield pivot, with Mason Mount instead given the attacking freedom in the 3-2 win.

Many fans questioned Amorim's thought process behind deploying one of his biggest attacking threats in such a reserved role, but the boss was happy to answer questions after the game.

"He's the most experienced player," Amorim explained. "He's the right player to dictate the tempo. Mason Mount was always with his back to goal, which is difficult and Bruno is better with the goal in front of him."

The defensive-minded Manuel Ugarte lined up alongside Fernandes but could not fully cover for the Portugal international's lack of defensive awareness, with Fernandes' poor positioning called out after Bodo/Glimt's opener.

Amorim must now decide whether to persist with this experiment when United return to Premier League action against Everton on Sunday.


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