Bruno Fernandes dropping to the bench v Leipzig could give United an opportunity

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Bruno Fernandes captained Manchester United in Paris in the Champions League last week.

This was the sixth start Fernandes has made this season for United, with the only games he has not featured in being the Carabao Cup matches.

This upcoming Champions League game against RB Leipzig is a big game, but still one in which United should consider rotating for.

Fernandes is viewed as undroppable for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and with good reason. He is key to United’s success.

But with Donny van de Beek sitting on the bench for all of these six matches, it’s possible Solskjaer has not got the balance quite right.

Should Fernandes drop out?

United should consider leaving Fernandes out of the starting XI against RB Leipzig in order to accommodate Donny van de Beek.

It is important that Van de Beek gets chances, and Fernandes could benefit from a little break.

United have big matches upcoming against Arsenal and Everton away in the Premier League and Fernandes should start both of these.

United need to keep Fernandes fresh, and this couples with a need to give Van de Beek game time.

It will be to the team’s benefit to learn how to win without Fernandes against top level opposition.

If he is needed, then Fernandes would be a dangerous second half substitute to bring on to try and turn the game.

Dropping Fernandes down to the bench for just one game allows others a chance to shine.

United could pick a three-man midfield of Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, and Donny van de Beek and have a strong chance of beating Leipzig. Solskjaer should give them the opportunity to try, and make use of the strong squad he has at his disposal.

Ultimately it would be to United’s benefit to find a way for both Fernandes and Van de Beek to play together.

This could see United deploy a diamond formation as in the second half against Chelsea, or to pick the Dutchman out wide in a similar role to the one Juan Mata has played.

At the moment it seems a case of either Fernandes or Van de Beek, and the summer signing has got his chance.

Van de Beek has plenty of Champions League experience with Ajax and is unlikely to let United down.

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