Ruben Amorim has problems with Bruno Fernandes and cannot continue to overlook it (Image: Getty Images)
For a brief moment, it looked like Manchester United had finally steadied the ship. The three-game winning streak, the first in nearly two years, sparked talk of progress, momentum and how Ruben Amorim is starting to find a rhythm. But Saturday’s 2-2 draw with relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, which would have been a heartbreaking defeat had it not been for Amad Diallo’s stunning late strike, was a stark reminder that United’s problems run much deeper than some recent results.
The team still struggles to control games for long periods of time. They remain vulnerable under pressure, and despite talk of Amorim’s fresh tactics and renewed energy, United still feel like a work in progress, a team caught between transition and tradition. The draw with Forest not only halted their momentum but also highlighted the precarious balance of Amorim’s developing 3-4-3. This system looks sharp when United are in possession, but quickly breaks down when they are forced to play with numbers, press or defend. In the center sits Bruno Fernandes. Captain, talisman and, perhaps unintentionally, one of United’s most vexing tactical dilemmas. With that in mind, here are three thoughts on United’s weekend.
Fernandez problem
Fernandes has been reasonably effective in Amorim’s 3-4-3, acting as one of the two central midfielders. His vision and quick passing are invaluable when United are in control of the ball. However, in a tough away match like the one against Forest, his role becomes a potential weakness.
He lacks the mobility to cover space or the discipline to maintain structure, leaving United’s midfield vulnerable. He is reminiscent of Cesc Fabregas, who played under Antonio Conte at Chelsea. Although a talented player, he is too lightweight for the strength and organization needed in a two-man midfield. Conte’s choice to prioritize N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic brought balance to Chelsea and ultimately the Premier League title.
United could get away with putting Fernandes in that role for now, especially against weaker opponents. But if Amorim truly aims to build a team that can compete for major trophies, he may need to take the bold step of pushing Fernandes further forward, or removing him altogether.
Bruno Fernandes is playing well, but he’s not really suited for a two-man midfield. (Image: CameraSport, Getty Images)
The challenge is that promoting him risks him being replaced by Matheus Cunha and Brian Mbeumo. Both would look more natural as inside forwards in this formation. Despite his tactical shortcomings, Fernandes remains a talismanic, goal-scoring fan favorite, and the reality is that he is one of the few United players to maintain consistent form during a turbulent season.
Still, if Amorim persists, so will his 3-4-3. And within that, Fernandes increasingly feels like a square peg in a round hole. Some will argue that he is too valuable to drop and is worth forcing into the squad, but forcing him into the wrong role could ultimately hurt United at a critical moment.
It’s a difficult puzzle to solve, but if the Red Devils really want to get back to the top of the table, they’ll have to be prepared to leave out even their biggest stars if it means the team as a whole will function better.
Amorim has rarely deviated from the midfield partnership of Casemiro and Fernandes this season. (Image: Getty Images)
Mainu is required
For United’s midfield to be effective, a player named Koby Mainu is essential. The 20-year-old has the rare combination of composure, mobility and football intelligence that United desperately need. He is able to weave through presses and advance the ball with purpose while still maintaining the discipline to defend.
3-4-3 demands balance, control, and energy. Mainu is all three and it makes perfect sense to pair him with a true holding midfielder like Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte or summer signing Carlos Baleva.
Amorim’s choice to sit on the sidelines puzzled many. Maynou could be a game-changer in games where United struggle to control the tempo. While players like Fernandes pose a risk, Mainu provides a rhythm, a calming influence that allows others to play freely. If Amorim wants a midfield that decides games, rather than just reacts, the return of young players should be a priority.
Mainu spent most of the season warming the bench. (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A two-man midfield requires discipline and structure, but also energy, the ability to cover space, press intelligently and recover quickly in transitions. Amorim seems to intend for a combination of Casemiro and Fernandes, but the duo lacks the mobility and intensity the system needs against elite opponents.
Casemiro no longer has the legs to cover large areas on his own, but Fernandes is better at creativity and creating chances than at defending or recovering the ball. Without a more dynamic partner like Mainu, United’s midfield, while solid on paper, is sluggish in practice and risks being overtaken.
need wing back
Another obvious weakness is on the sides. Amorim’s 3-4-3 relies heavily on wing-backs who can stretch the pitch and defend intelligently. Currently, United have neither.
Patrick Dorg is the only natural option, but he’s been inconsistent. Amad is exploited at right wing-back, while Diogo Dalot continues to cover on the left despite being right-footed. It’s an awkward arrangement that leaves United vulnerable defensively and insensitive offensively.
United need to sign a suitable wing-back so they can make better use of players like Amad. (Image: Ben Roberts – Danehouse, Getty Images)
If United are serious about making this formation effective, they need to prioritize suitable wing-backs in January and next summer. A player who jumps forward, delivers high-quality performances, and can recover quickly. They spent over £200m developing forwards last summer, but they would be far wiser to keep between £50m and £100m of that and sign two top-class wing-backs.
Currently, they have been linked with expensive midfielders like Baleva and Elliott Anderson. But this structure will continue to crumble unless broader issues are resolved. Formations rely on balance, and without reliable wing-backs it would be like trying to build a house without walls.
