Bruno Fernandes found it tougher than usual to influence Manchester United’s attacking play in the last two Premier League games.
When teams set up to defend, like both Chelsea and Arsenal did, Fernandes finds his time on the ball less frequent, and more limited before he is closed down.
Fernandes still possesses searing quality capable of torching opponents, as he showed lethally against RB Leipzig last week when he came off the bench.
The attacking midfield central role has been Fernandes’ best position since he signed for United – but he does not have to be limited to this role.
If teams are having success nullifying his approach centrally, then United should look to shift Fernandes around to try and make it work in another way.
There are two possible ways to do so…
A central midfield role
Fernandes’ first ever game for Manchester United back in February was in a midfield two in the 0-0 home draw with Wolves, due to an injury crisis and suspension for Nemanja Matic.
United could play Fernandes in Paul Pogba’s recent position in the midfield diamond.
This would enable a couple of options for United. Solskjaer could play either Donny van de Beek or Juan Mata in the role Fernandes has recently been playing in.
Van de Beek deserves more game time, and so does Mata. Alternately, United could even play Pogba in the most forward role.
The advantage would be that United could get Fernandes in possession more, and get him more actively involved. This would enable him to help link the play and bring further opportunities for him to find the strikers with his passing range.
A shift to the right
If United do not play the 4-4-2 diamond and revert to a 4-2-3-1, then United can still shift Fernandes back into one of the midfield two.
But United could get more out of him by playing him on the right.
This is a role Juan Mata has had to get to grips with for much of the past six plus years he has spent at Old Trafford.
Fernandes is good enough to adapt, and this is still a role which ensures he will see plenty of the ball in the final third.
The reason to play Fernandes here is that it easier enables United to get Donny van de Beek in the side.
Fernandes and Van de Beek have rarely played together. It has usually been either or. That is a great shame, and Solskjaer needs to look at ways to get both of them on the pitch together.
Teammates’ return may be what he needs
Of course, Fernandes may be better off simply staying in the position he is. What he may need is Anthony Martial’s return.
It cannot be a coincidence that Fernandes’ two poorest games have come with Martial out of the side with suspension.
The pair struck up an instant connection when Fernandes signed earlier this year, with Martial’s clever movement helping the Portuguese star.
Both players are available tonight against Istanbul and against Everton at the weekend and it may simply be this which helps Fernandes recapture his best form.
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