Bruno Fernandes, despite not fully adapting to playing deeper, still gave his all for Amroli! Mount reveals the Manchester United captain's pre-match speech.

Manchester United secured a 2-0 home win over Sunderland, with Ruben Amroli’s tactics proving fully effective for the first time this season. Yet, his 3-4-3 system continues to face criticism. The midfield especially lacks harmony, and even the 30-year-old Portuguese "Iron Man" captain Bruno Fernandes finds the midfield role assigned to him illogical.

Bruno Fernandes is more suited to the number 10 role, as playing him in midfield reveals his defensive shortcomings. He often shows frustration, displaying negative body language and impatience, having missed two out of three penalty attempts this season. Although Fernandes and Amroli share Portuguese roots and maintain a friendly relationship, he is dissatisfied with his new position.

This is a matter of roles, not personalities, explains expert Ben Jacobs: "Bruno Fernandes—I’m not saying he’s unhappy with the coach, but there are differences between them. Their relationship is good; Bruno remains the club captain, but he dislikes playing deeper in midfield. Switching to a 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation could allow Coby Meno or Ugart to occupy the deeper role, while Bruno partners with Mbemo and Cunha further forward."

He added, "Mbemo can play as a right winger, Sheshko might not start every match, Cunha can take the number 9 spot and also play left wing. But in the current 3-4-3 setup, to maintain scoring power and include new signings, Bruno must drop back. Clearly, his efficiency is lower there, and he’s unhappy with the role. Meno might adapt better to that deeper position, allowing Bruno to return to the area where he poses the greatest threat to opponents."

Manchester United fans may criticize Bruno Fernandes’ performance and body language, but the captain’s dedication should not be questioned. Mason Mount, who scored against Sunderland, revealed that Bruno kept urging teammates last week to train with maximum intensity and accept nothing less than full commitment.

Mount said, "Today’s performance and victory came under great pressure. Although it was a home game, the result was hard-fought. I believe our mindset at the start was crucial. This was something we discussed in the locker room, and Bruno emphasized it during the meeting. So I sensed the team’s capability right from kickoff, and clearly, scoring settled us down."

Unlike Bruno Fernandes, Amroli’s deployment of Mount has allowed the English player, who has faced criticism since his £60 million transfer, to perform at a higher level. Mount was positioned as the number 10, replacing the £62.5 million new signing Cunha, enabling him to play comfortably and fully utilize his strengths.

"I believe I bring a lot of energy to the team, often initiating pressing and acting as an attacking catalyst," Mount said. "That has always been my focus — helping teammates and providing energy. Scoring obviously means a lot to me, especially my first home Premier League goal. I have a good relationship with the coach, but I wouldn’t say it’s better than with other teammates. I just happen to have experience playing in formations the coach prefers, having frequently played 3-4-3 in the past."

Mount added, "So understanding my role and what he wants from the team resonated with me because of my past experience, making it something I clearly comprehend. I think now all players are starting to grasp it. Especially at the start, I believe he might rely on me because I know my position."

Amroli will not change his 3-4-3 philosophy, and it’s unlikely Bruno Fernandes will fully adapt either, so this issue could resurface in future matches. Imagine if Amroli placed Mount in the deeper midfield role in the 3-4-3 — Mount would likely struggle just as Bruno does.