Bruno Fernandes: Shining despite playing out of position

23/09/2025 15:10:00 ScoreStream

Although not playing in his preferred position, Bruno Fernandes shone at the crucial moment by scoring a vital goal in MU’s win over Chelsea.

In the pouring rain at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes celebrated passionately after scoring against Chelsea. That was his 100th goal wearing the MU jersey.

When Bruno Fernandes was "restricted" to the number 6 position

This season, the Portuguese midfielder has not been playing in his natural role because coach Amorim instructed him to play as a number 6. Despite being positioned deeper, Bruno’s goal against Chelsea demonstrated that he remains an essential player for MU. "Sometimes we lose a bit of Bruno up front," Amorim admitted before facing Chelsea, yet he remained firm on not changing the heavily criticized system which has so far failed to bring success.

Robert Sanchez’s red card just 5 minutes into the game at Old Trafford allowed MU to naturally break free from tactical shackles, as Chelsea, reduced to 10 men, immediately dropped back to defend. This gave Fernandes the chance to push forward and escape restrictions, resulting in him scoring. "Bruno Fernandes deserves to be recorded in our club’s history, not only for what he has accomplished but also for what his team has achieved," Amorim said after the Chelsea victory.

"The most important thing is Bruno’s influence on the entire team. Sometimes Bruno isn’t in the best position to be the star in every match, but the significance of the captain’s armband is to always strive to show the best version of oneself in every situation to strengthen the team. He is doing that. I think he can still improve, but honestly, anyone in our squad can improve," the Portuguese coach admitted. "Bruno is very effective near the penalty area and also excellent at organizing play from deeper positions. He deserves all praise," Ruben Amorim added.

When MU gained a numerical advantage, he immediately took the opportunity, frequently entering the box to collect rebounds, and his opening goal paved the way for MU’s victory.

That goal showed what Bruno can do for his teammates when given freedom. In the second half, Bruno made a run as Chelsea’s defense weakened. With no passing options on either side, he chose to shoot himself, forcing substitute goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen to make a flying save.

In every situation, Bruno Fernandes remains MU’s leader.

The man who "carries" MU

It can be said that Bruno Fernandes has almost single-handedly carried MU through crisis after crisis. Under every coach, he has been a key player but also the main target of criticism when the team underperforms.

Former midfielder Roy Keane once claimed Bruno is a poor leader for a MU sinking into mediocrity. On TNT Sports, former England international Fara Williams said: "Bruno’s greatest strength is clear when he plays higher up. Bruno has been one of MU’s best players in that role, especially last season. He is the most effective attacking player since joining MU, but when playing in a two-man midfield, much of his qualities are lost."

"Bruno cannot influence the game from deeper positions and often exposes defensive weaknesses. I myself started as a number 10 before moving back to number 6. In that role, you need short movements, reading the game, and good communication with the defense, which is very different from playing number 10, where you focus on pressing, occupying space, and linking with the attack," Williams emphasized.

Bruno was responsible for the equalizer by Emile Smith Rowe for Fulham at Craven Cottage last month, as well as the opening goal by Phil Foden in the Manchester derby. However, the match against Chelsea brought some positive signs. Sky Sports stated: "Bruno showed he can move into scoring positions while playing in a two-man midfield. Amorim is clearly demanding a lot from his captain by asking him to both control the game from deep and pose a threat in the final third, but on Saturday, Fernandes delivered excellently."

However, Amorim’s favored 3-4-3 formation is not the ideal setting for Bruno to shine. He excels in the central number 10 role, but that spot does not exist in the Portuguese coach’s tactical plan.

There are two wide number 10 positions where Fernandes could freely showcase his creativity. The problem for Amorim and MU is that these areas are overcrowded, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha brought in specifically to play there.

Nevertheless, Fernandes’ brilliant and lively performance against Chelsea suggests Amorim should reconsider how he utilizes this midfielder.

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