Bruno Fernandes has formed many telepathic partnerships at Man Utd, but even Ruben Amorim holding him back helped him form another one.
Since being restored to a more attacking role by Michael Carrick, Bruno Fernandes has made a mockery of Ruben Amorim playing him in defensive midfield.
He is on course to rewrite the history books for assists, but that is possible only if his teammates finish his chances.
Turns out, the most devastating partnership he has formed this season is a result of Amorim playing him in a deeper role.
Where does playing Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role rank among Ruben Amorim’s mistakes?
Bruno Fernandes decodes devastating Matheus Cunha link-up
The theme of most Fernandes’ assists this season have been his set-piece deliveries for Casemiro, but it’s another Brazilian in the Man Utd squad he has created the most chances for.
Fernandes has combined with Cunha for a league-leading 19 chances, as the Brazilian’s running off the ball to stretch defences has found the perfect teammate for Fernandes’ searching balls.
When this stat was relayed to Fernandes while he was speaking to Opta, he said that it’s a result of him playing in a deeper role to start the season.
He said: “I think in the beginning of the season, playing a little bit deeper, made me have more through balls, and [Mbeumo and Cunha] were the two No. 10s most of the time.
“When you are playing a little bit deeper, you have guys in front of you between the lines. It’s just about getting the ball through to them in the best possible way for them to have a shot.
“The two No. 10s and the striker played narrow at times so that helped me to be higher on second balls.”
Fernandes has combined the best of both worlds
Amorim didn’t use Fernandes correctly; that’s not up for debate, but he unintentionally made him a more complete player.
Fernandes has improved immensely in his ball retention and short-passing after playing the deeper position, and the understanding he developed of Cunha and Mbeumo’s runs has helped him in an advanced role.
He can now threaten closer to the goal instead of searching through balls, which are also prone to ceding possession.
The chance creation was always going to stay for Fernandes, but the quality of chances created has improved.
Amorim can take 20% credit for the same.
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