It is hard to take too many concrete lessons from the first game of the pre-season, but Ruben Amorim did hint at a big one with his team vs Leeds.
Man Utd played out a goalless draw against their fierce rivals in Sweden in a game that might end up being recalled as the start of Matheus Cunha’s love affair with Old Trafford.
Diego Leon also impressed, while Ayden Heaven dominated in a game of few positives for Ruben Amorim.
This was also the first game where Amad, as the first-choice right wing-back, came to fruition, but more notable was the position change for another manager’s favourite.
Bruno Fernandes set for new Man Utd role
It was to be expected after the signings of Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but the game against Leeds started the experiment of deploying Bruno Fernandes as the deeper midfielder.
Fernandes has done his best work closer to goal, where his adventurous passing breaks down deep blocks, but United needed his ball progression from deep as well.
This led to the Man Utd captain being overworked last season, almost functioning as two players at once by progressing the play, then finishing the chances.
Against Leeds, it was clear that his future lies in a deeper role, as Amorim started Toby Collyer ahead of him despite the youngster’s game being risk-free.
It was in clear preparation for the role Fernandes will play in Man Utd’s strongest XI when Mbeumo and Cunha start as the two No. 10s.
Fernandes’ running responsibilities will be lessened to an extent, and he can ghost into the box at the right moment to still get his goals/assists.
It’s the move that can extend Fernandes’ prime by a few years. Amorim showed how completely committed he is to it by making a change 15 minutes in.
Ruben Amorim’s commitment to Fernandes’ new role
So committed was Amorim to Fernandes’ new role that when Collyer seemed incapable of being influential in that No. 10 position, the Man Utd manager didn’t panic.
He restored Amad to the attacking midfield spot, and Collyer acted as the energetic wing-back.
There was an easy change to be made without disrupting the setup, which was to swap Collyer and Fernandes’ positions.
However, Amorim is clearly eager to get as many minutes in Fernandes’ legs as possible in that deeper midfield role because that is going to be his permanent position.
As Fernandes’ understanding with Cunha improves, United will have a really potent attacking combination that is equal parts combative and silky.
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