Ruben Amorim watched on from Portugal last night as Manchester United claimed a point from their 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The new head coach must navigate Sporting Lisbon’s forthcoming fixtures, which includes a high-stakes Champions League clash at home to Manchester City tomorrow, while also drawing up plans of how he’ll approach his first games in the United dugout.
With Amorim expected to stay loyal to his favoured 3-4-3 formation, pundits have begun asking the question as to where it leaves Bruno Fernandes – take a look at one of BBC Sport’s predictions below, for example.
Trusty 3-4-3 🤝
No Bruno Fernandes 🤔
Harry Maguire's experience 🫡How Man Utd could line up under Ruben Amorim! 📋#BBCFootball #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Lm2E1We8eA
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 1, 2024
It’s highly improbable Amorim is even considering omitting Fernandes from his setup, but even if he was, the midfielder’s showing on Sunday only further highlighted why he’s been a mainstay in the 11 under every manager he’s played for.
How Fernandes fared against the Blues
Not only did he get off the mark in the Premier League when scoring from the spot in the 70th minute, the skipper recorded 100 per cent successful take-ons, seven passes into the final third and five ball recoveries. He also won four tackles, won four fouls, created four chances and made two clearances, according to StatmanDave.
Fernandes played a direct role in eight of the 11 shots United made across the night’s affairs, taking four himself while setting up another four for his teammates, and was involved in all four of United’s big chances.
Alas, it’d be nothing short of ludicrous to even contemplate removing the Portuguese talisman from the team, and you can expect he’ll continue to thrive under his compatriot after the mid-month international break.
Post-match, Fernandes even took his share of accountability for Erik ten Hag’s sacking, telling Sky Sports he felt partly ‘responsible’ due to his lack of goals in the Dutchman’s final matches.
