Bruno Fernandes’ role under Ruben Amorim made clear by 8-duel winning Sporting star vs Man City

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes’ natural position could be scrapped under the new system Ruben Amorim will implement.

Tuesday night saw Ruben Amorim perform almost an audition, with much of the Manchester United fanbase watching his Sporting Lisbon team take on Manchester City.

Amorim passed with flying colours as Sporting absolutely thrashed City 4-1, with United target Viktor Gyokeres scoring a hattrick.

Following the game, Amorim received a touching send-off from Sporting supporters after his last game in charge at the Jose Alvalade stadium.

However, as emotional a night it was for Amorim and the supporters in Portugal, for United it was an exciting insight into what we can expect from the 39-year-old.

While watching the game, one thing that became clear was the role Bruno Fernandes could play in Amorim’s new system.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Bruno Fernandes will have been watching Pedro Goncalves’ performance closely

When the arrival of Amorim was being discussed last week, it was the status of Bruno which went slightly under the radar.

The 3-4-3 formation utilised by the generational Portuguese coach leaves no place for a natural number 10.

However, after Sporting’s win against City, it is Pedro Goncalves’s performance which has shown us the role Bruno should be deployed in.

The way Amorim’s team works is the ‘wing-backs’ are effectively wingers – while the wide attackers are effectively inside forwards or No.10s – which could suit Bruno perfectly.

Against City, Goncalves was among the best players on the pitch as he created four chances and also grabbed one assist.

This role would give Bruno a license to be the creative outlet while also being central-ish where his work rate would come in handy as off the ball as Goncalves demonstrated vs City.

• 3/4 tackles won
• 1 block
• 2 clearances
• 9 defensive actions
• 2 recoveries
• 8/10 duels won

With these demands from a left-winger, Bruno is far more suited than the likes of Alejandro Garnacho or Marcus Rashford.

• READ MORE: Who is Bruno Fernandes? Inside the life of Manchester United’s Portuguese Magnifico

Manchester United’s squad will have to adapt to Ruben Amorim

If Bruno is to be deployed as an inside forward, it would be a significant tactical change for the United captain to deal with.

That being said he will not be the only name needing to adapt – with much of the squad set to be used in a different role.

The biggest change will likely be for the full-backs, who will become more than attacking wing-backs but rather more like wingers when in possession – which is a role some players may struggle with. Due to this, it could see a surprise promotion for someone like Bendito Mantato to solve this problem position.

There will be a learning curve for Amorim and United in the early days, and we should not be expecting miracles this season – rather we can start judging next season once his style is implemented and established with some backing in the transfer window.