Ruben Amorim needs to pick Bruno Fernandes in his best position before heading to rivals Liverpool – otherwise Manchester United have no chance of getting a result at Anfield on Sunday
Jeremy joined the Daily Star in 2010 as Manchester football correspondent and has been chief sports writer for over 10 years. He provides expert coverage of Manchester United and Manchester City, the entire Premier League and English football teams. Jeremy has covered Wimbledon, golf majors and the Olympics, as well as the soccer, rugby and cricket World Cups.
It can’t be helped that Bruno Fernandes is tired. Because he has carried Manchester United on his back for longer than he can remember.
In the 12 months since Ruben Amorim took over as United manager, no player has played more games than Fernandes. And no one has done more to pull the team out of the doldrums than the Portuguese midfielder.
No wonder, then, that Fernandes faced accusations of being exhausted during Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Hungary in World Cup qualifying. A disastrous night for Fernandes, he ended up receiving a one-match suspension and was already sent off by the time the Hungarian scored the equalizer in the last gasp.
read more: Wayne Rooney calls on Manchester United owner to act now to save ‘souls’ over Ruben Amorim’s brutal sentenceread more: Wayne Rooney slams Ruben Amorim with ‘fans are not fools’ verdict
And it’s ironic that it was Dominik Szoboszlai who decided that. That’s because Fernandes will face Szoboszlai again this weekend when United face rivals Liverpool.
Szoboszlai is a presence that Fernandes does not have today. He is happy with the role given to him by the club manager. Unlike Fernandes, he proved woefully lacking when asked to play deep in midfield.
It doesn’t take a genius to see that this doesn’t complement Fernandes’ strengths. So why can’t Amorim solve it too?
To be honest, if United were dominating weaker teams (which rarely happens) then Fernandes wouldn’t be exposed. But sending Fernandes into the battle at Anfield as a holding midfielder would be like sending a lamb to the slaughter.
And it doesn’t matter whether Amorim picks a team that wins or draws with Liverpool. Neither will happen if Fernandes is placed closer to the defense than the attack.
Fernandes should form the center of a front three that also includes Mason Mount and Brian Mbeumo.
The scenario is really simple. Take advantage of his strengths or suffer the consequences.
And when it comes to Amorim and his immediate future, the consequences of a bang at Anfield of all places are not worth considering.
Join the MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily Manchester United content from Mirror Football. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
