Manchester United may have lost the Community Shield on penalties to rivals Man City, but there were many positives to take from the game.
The Reds were deserving of the win after 90 minutes, Amad Diallo shined as did Alejandro Garnacho, and tactically we showed that we can compete with the current Premier League champions. Of course, we knew that already after beating them in the FA Cup final back in May.
It was Bruno Fernandes’ first game back after missing pre-season due to his involvement in the latter stages of the European Championship this summer. He picked up where he left off at the end of last season by appearing in a false nine role against the same opponents.
While Fernandes failed to register a goal or assist, but he created several dangerous situation to put City’s defence under pressure.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand wants to see Fernandes played in a more advanced role this season, even when Rasmus Hojlund returns from injury to lead the line. The Portuguese Magnifico excels in the final third and our attacking players will feed on his service.
Ferdinand hailed Fernandes’ performance, saying he excelled because of the area of the pitch he was deployed.
Speaking on the Rio Reacts podcast, Ferdinand said: “One thing I would say I want to get with Bruno this season, he was playing in the false nine there today which is great. When Hojlund comes back, I just want to see Bruno higher in the positions to just hurt teams.
“When he’s in the final third, there’s no other player in that team that I want on the ball for delivery into other players or for shooting. He is majestic in those positions.”
United kick off the new Premier League season on Friday night against Fulham at Old Trafford. It will be interesting to see if Fernandes leads the line or whether Erik ten Hag will hand a full debut to Joshua Zirkzee following his transfer from Bologna earlier this summer.
Fernandes is also on the verge of signing a new deal to become one of the club’s highest earners.
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