The 2024/25 campaign was undoubtedly one of the worst in Manchester United’s history, with the Red Devils registering their lowest-ever Premier League finish under Ruben Amorim.
His side ended the year in a measly 15th place, just a handful of spots above the relegation zone, but it didn’t stop Bruno Fernandes from impressing within attacking areas.
The 31-year-old registered a total of 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions – certainly preventing the side from being dragged into a relegation battle.
Such a year was one of the best of his career at Old Trafford, with the Portuguese international often being the go-to man to get them out of trouble, which is something needed in a club captain.
However, he’s often had to revert to operating in an unfamiliar number eight role since Amorim took the reins last November – a decision that has proved a huge talking point in recent months.
The real question is, where is Fernandes best suited and how effective are the team as a whole depending on which role he operates in?
The effect of Bruno playing in the #8 compared to the #10
Since Amorim’s appointment, Bruno has been named in the starting eleven on 34 occasions in the Premier League – missing a couple due to suspension or being rested ahead of the Europa League.
The Red Devils have lost 50% of their games with the 31-year-old operating in a deeper position, compared to just 37.5% when he started in his natural position.
Such a record could indicate that Amorim’s side have often lacked creativity in attacking areas – something which is backed up by the goalscoring figures.
In such a period, United averaged just 1.06 goals per 90 when Bruno featured deeper, whilst posting 1.3 per 90 when operating further forward – further backing up his incredible ability to create carnage.
The only benefit of the former Sporting star operating deeper is the goals conceded tally, letting in 0.19 goals fewer when playing in one of the two box-to-box roles.
All the aforementioned figures showcase how important the captain is in forward areas, with Amorim needing to utilise him in such an area as a result.
However, that could take away the minutes of one other player in the process, leaving the manager with a huge conundrum if he is to save his job at Old Trafford.
The United star who’s becoming a Bruno-type player at United
During the recent summer transfer window, the United hierarchy handed Amorim a £200m budget to make the changes he required to his squad after the dismal 2024/25 campaign.
He decided to use the majority of the funds within the forward areas, landing two players to operate in the number ten positions of his infamous 3-4-2-1 system.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were the players to fill such roles, as seen by the majority of the outings in recent months following their respective moves to Old Trafford.
The latter of the duo has missed some action due to a hamstring injury, which has handed Bruno the opportunity to feature in his preferred role – but such chances have been few and far between.
However, he’s not alone in being forced to feature in another position, with Amad Diallo similar to Bruno in having to make do with minutes in other areas of the pitch.
The Ivorian joined the Red Devils back in the winter window of 2021, arriving from Italian side Atalanta as a right-sided winger with huge potential to explode in England’s top-flight.
Given the difference in system, the 23-year-old has been forced to operate in either a number ten role or a right-wing back position over the last couple of months.
Amad, who “plays football like a kid” as described by Gary Neville, has been questioned over his best position, but it’s clear that he’s more suited to a wing-back role.
“He has never stopped thinking of football like he’s playing on the street. Wayne Rooney was the exact same. They are street football players and they believe they should get it and beat men and attack men and take the ball and take risks and he did all the way through the game.” – Neville on Amad.
His best display of the 2024/25 campaign came at Old Trafford, where he scored a hat-trick against Southampton – doing so whilst operating in a somewhat deeper position.
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Amad Diallo’s stats for United in the PL (2024/25) |
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|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
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Games played |
26 |
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Goals & assists |
14 |
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Pass accuracy |
86% |
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Shots taken |
2.6 |
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Chances created |
2.4 |
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Successful dribbles |
2.1 |
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Touches in opposition box |
7.2 |
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Stats via FotMob |
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It’s also allowed him to bring out his creativity, as seen by the 4-0 triumph against Everton, subsequently registering two assists and claiming the Man of the Match award.
The similarities between him and Bruno are there for all to see, with both needing to adapt their games in recent times to make an impact within Amorim’s philosophy.
Both have popped up with key contributions in numerous matches, undoubtedly making them two players who will be vital if the club are to return to their former glory in the near future.
