Bruno Fernandes has been a regular under Erik ten Hag this season, captaining the side in Harry Maguire’s absence.
He missed his first Premier League game of the campaign this weekend, absent from the defeat to Aston Villa through suspension, after picking up five yellow cards.
It was clear to see United missed Fernandes’ energy in midfield. Donny van de Beek was a sub-par replacement who failed to grab his chance.
The Portugal international isn’t always perfect, but Sunday showed that United are a weaker side without him, bereft of his creative qualities and the fighting spirit his competitive nature adds to the team.
Now it looks as though Fernandes could be quickly recalled to the team for this week’s Carabao Cup match.
Fernandes could now make immediate return
When Fernandes was suspended, it appeared as though he could get two games to rest up, with rotation expected for the cup tie at Old Trafford.
The manner of Sunday’s 3-1 defeat changes everything. Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will not be taking Aston Villa lightly at all on Thursday night.
Ten Hag will want to rebuild momentum ahead of the final Premier League game away at Fulham. Add this to a desire to reach the next round of the cup, as he begins a bid to win his first domestic cup competition.
Aston Villa demonstrated their quality in Thursday’s game and even if they make changes, Unai Emery will ensure they are a threat.
Bringing Bruno Fernandes back into Manchester United’s midfield is the right call, especially with Casemiro and possibly Christian Eriksen getting a rest.
Fred and Scott McTominay could both feature, while if Ten Hag wants to go with youth, Zidane Iqbal could take one of their places. That’s why it’s important to bring back Fernandes into the team.
The cup game against Villa had appeared ideal to give Donny van de Beek a chance – but he has had one in the last two matches.
In starts against Real Sociedad and Aston Villa, Van de Beek has been underwhelming, even invisible at times. While he deserves time to improve, he just is not adding anything right now.
United can’t afford to rest Casemiro and Eriksen, while giving Van de Beek a start at the expense of Bruno Fernandes.
It will be a welcome sight to see United’s number eight back in the starting line-up on Thursday night.
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