The 2024/25 season was arguably one of the worst seasons in Manchester United’s history, with the Red Devils recording their lowest ever Premier League result under manager Ruben Amorim.
His side finished the year in just 15th place, just a few spots above the relegation zone, but that didn’t stop Bruno Fernandes from making an impression in the attacking area.
The 31-year-old scored a total of 37 goals and assists across all competitions, ensuring his side avoid falling into a relegation battle.
Years like these were some of the best of his career at Old Trafford, with the Portugal international often serving as the team’s captain and being the go-to guy for the team in a pinch.
But since Amorim took over the reins last November, he has often had to fall back into the unfamiliar role of number eight. This decision has been a hot topic in recent months.
The real question is where Fernandes is best suited and how effective the team as a whole will be depending on what role he plays.
Effect of Bruno playing #8 compared to #10
Since Amorim’s appointment, Bruno has featured in the starting eleven in the Premier League 34 times, but has missed several occasions due to suspension or rest before the Europa League.
The Red Devils lost 50% of their games with the 31-year-old playing 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 often lacked creativity in attacking areas, which is borne out by the number of goals scored.
During these periods, when Bruno played deeper, United averaged just 1.06 goals per 90 minutes, but when he played further forward he averaged 1.3 goals per 90 minutes, further confirming his uncanny ability to create carnage.
The only benefit of the former Sporting star working deeper is that he concedes 0.19 fewer goals when playing in one of the two box-to-box roles.
All the aforementioned numbers show how important the captain is in the forward areas and as a result Amorim needs to utilize him in such areas.
However, that could take away minutes from other players in the process, leaving the manager with a huge challenge in keeping his job at Old Trafford.
United star is becoming a Bruno-type player at United
In the recent summer transfer window, United bosses gave Amorim a budget of £200m to bring about the necessary changes to the squad after a disastrous 2024/25 season.
He decided to spend most of his money within the forward areas, using two players in the No. 10 position in the infamous 3-4-2-1 system.
Brian Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have both been players in that role, as they have been for the majority of their appearances in recent months following their respective moves to Old Trafford.
The latter has missed several games with a hamstring injury, giving Bruno the opportunity to play in his preferred role, but those opportunities have been few and far between.
But he is not the only player who has been forced to play in a different position, with Amad Diallo also having to spend time in other areas of the pitch, as well as Bruno.
The Ivorian returned to the Red Devils in the winter of 2021, joining from Italian side Atalanta as a right-sided winger with the potential to explode in England’s top flight.
Given the differences in the systems, the 23-year-old has been forced to play in the number 10 or right-back position for the past few months.
Amado, who Gary Neville described as “playing football like a kid”, has been questioned about his best fit, but it is clear he is suited to the wing-back role.
“He never stopped thinking about football as if he were playing on the street. Wayne Rooney was exactly the same. They are street football players who believe they should win the ball and take risks and take risks.” – Neville on Amad.
His best performance of the 2024-25 season came at Old Trafford, where he scored a hat-trick against Southampton, but he did so while playing slightly deeper.
Amad Diallo’s performance in PL United (2024/25) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 26 |
goals and assists | 14 |
Pass accuracy | 86% |
shot taken | 2.6 |
An opportunity has arisen | 2.4 |
dribbling success | 2.1 |
touch the offensive box | 7.2 |
Statistics by FotMob | |
He was also able to display his creativity, as seen in the 4-0 win over Everton, which saw him register two assists and win the Man of the Match award.
The similarities between him and Bruno are obvious for all to see, with both having to adapt their recent games to influence Amorim’s philosophy.
Both players have made important contributions in a number of matches, and there is no doubt that they will be essential players in the near future if the club is to return to its former glory.