Aheed Abrar
Rio Ferdinand believes Bruno Fernandes has the quality to play out of position for Manchester United
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand believes Erik ten Hag is playing Bruno Fernandes out of position because he possesses the quality to impress.
In the last few weeks, the Portugal international has been deployed on the right and left wing on a number of occasions rather than in the number 10 position.
In the 0-0 draw against Southampton on Sunday (12 March), the 28-year-old started in a deeper role alongside Casemiro. However, at around the half-hour mark, the Brazil international was sent off.
Wout Weghorst has often been in the playmaking position when the gaffer has opted to deploy Marcus Rashford in the number nine position. Jadon Sancho has also played as an attacking midfielder a lot this year.
Fernandes has put in some impressive displays, especially on the right-hand side of the attack. In the current campaign, the Portuguese has made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing 12 assists.
Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel (h/t Metro), Ferdinand, who spent 12 years of his playing career at United, feels the 28-year-old is having to compensate for some areas on the pitch not being good enough.
“I think other moving parts in the team aren’t as stable so he’s having to move him around. Ten Hag knows he’s got the ability to perform in different areas.”
Fernandes made his way to the Old Trafford side in the winter window of 2020. Since then, the Portuguese has been a pivotal player for the Red Devils.
Ten Hag has managed to get the best out of Rashford as our striker. The 25-year-old is our leading goal-scorer this season. Weghorst has also added another dimension to the team with his physicality and work rate. Sancho also seems to be thriving as the number 10.
More Manchester United News
- Barcelona forward Ansu Fati ‘offered’ to Manchester United, Arsenal and two others
- Manchester United will look to avoid Daniel Levy “nightmare” in pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane
- Frenkie de Jong deemed ‘non-transferable’ by Barcelona amidst Manchester United interest
Fernandes is one of our best players. The 28-year-old has shown the nous to play in different positions. Therefore, if it is in the best interest of United, then the Portuguese should be played wherever needed.
