Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has played more football than any other player at the club in 2023.
So it might not have been a bad thing for Bruno Fernandes to have missed a game through suspension, getting a much-needed rest.
Now the question is whether Manchester United should actually leave Fernandes out of the starting line-up again, this time through choice.
Fernandes is eligible to play against West Ham this coming Saturday – but will he actually be selected as a starter?
The case against Fernandes starting
The trio who started for Manchester United against Liverpool can argue they all deserve to retain their starting places.
This game against West Ham is another tricky away fixture, requiring the midfield three to function as a cohesive unit.
Sofyan Amrabat, Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay all worked together really well at the weekend, and you can say none of them deserve to be dropped, and collectively, they made a case for themselves.
Manchester United’s midfield has looked unbalanced throughout the season, and Fernandes has been a part of that.
Early on it was his partnership with Mason Mount which caused it, and more recently, it has been Erik ten Hag trying to fit Fernandes into the same team as Scott McTominay.
We said when Fernandes was suspended that it could make Ten Hag’s decision easier against Liverpool.
Against West Ham, Manchester United should be wary of disrupting a midfield which functioned well, and dropping the wrong player to fit Fernandes in. The only one stepping out should be McTominay, otherwise the tactical problems will stay the same.
The case for Fernandes starting
Bruno Fernandes is Manchester United’s captain and the player who the manager has selected to wear the armband should be in his starting XI.
While every player should earn their place, United don’t want a repeat of the Harry Maguire situation last season where the captain is sat on the bench.
Fernandes is Manchester United’s most creative player, and his skill set can be a plus factor against West Ham, which Erik ten Hag’s side will need.
We need to go to West Ham and play to win, not to play for a draw. Bruno Fernandes’ attacking qualities can play a vital role – Erik ten Hag just needs to utilise him wisely.
Picking Fernandes alongside Mainoo and Amrabat should be a strong blend, although you wonder if Mainoo will be the player to drop out against a physical David Moyes side.
Having had a week’s rest, Fernandes will also be fresher and ready to go, arguably more so than the trio who played at Anfield.
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