The 2024/25 season was arguably one of many worst seasons in Manchester United’s historical past, with the Pink Devils recording their lowest ever Premier League end result underneath supervisor Ruben Amorim.
His aspect completed the 12 months in simply fifteenth place, just some spots above the relegation zone, however that did not cease Bruno Fernandes from making an impression within the attacking space.
The 31-year-old scored a complete of 37 targets and assists throughout all competitions, guaranteeing his aspect keep away from falling right into a relegation battle.
Years like these had been among the better of his profession at Previous Trafford, with the Portugal worldwide usually serving because the workforce’s captain and being the go-to man for the workforce in a pinch.
However since Amorim took over the reins final November, he has usually needed to fall again into the unfamiliar position of quantity eight. This resolution has been a scorching matter in current months.
The actual query is the place Fernandes is greatest suited and the way efficient the workforce as a complete will probably be relying on what position he performs.
Impact of Bruno enjoying #8 in comparison with #10
Since Amorim’s appointment, Bruno has featured within the beginning eleven within the Premier League 34 occasions, however has missed a number of events because of suspension or relaxation earlier than the Europa League.
The Pink Devils misplaced 50% of their video games with the 31-year-old enjoying in a deeper place, in comparison with simply 37.5% when he began in his pure place.
Such a report might point out that Amorim’s aspect usually lacked creativity in attacking areas, which is borne out by the variety of targets scored.
Throughout these durations, when Bruno performed deeper, United averaged simply 1.06 targets per 90 minutes, however when he performed additional ahead he averaged 1.3 targets per 90 minutes, additional confirming his uncanny means to create carnage.
The one good thing about the previous Sporting star working deeper is that he concedes 0.19 fewer targets when enjoying in one of many two box-to-box roles.
All of the aforementioned numbers present how essential the captain is within the ahead areas and consequently Amorim must make the most of him in such areas.
Nonetheless, that might take away minutes from different gamers within the course of, leaving the supervisor with an enormous problem in maintaining his job at Previous Trafford.
United star is changing into a Bruno-type participant at United
Within the current summer season switch window, United bosses gave Amorim a finances of £200m to convey concerning the essential modifications to the squad after a disastrous 2024/25 season.
He determined to spend most of his cash throughout the ahead areas, utilizing two gamers within the No. 10 place within the notorious 3-4-2-1 system.
Brian Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have each been gamers in that position, as they’ve been for almost all of their appearances in current months following their respective strikes to Previous Trafford.
The latter has missed a number of video games with a hamstring damage, giving Bruno the chance to play in his most popular position, however these alternatives have been few and much between.
However he isn’t the one participant who has been pressured to play in a distinct place, with Amad Diallo additionally having to spend time in different areas of the pitch, in addition to Bruno.
The Ivorian returned to the Pink Devils within the winter of 2021, becoming a member of from Italian aspect Atalanta as a right-sided winger with the potential to blow up in England’s high flight.
Given the variations within the methods, the 23-year-old has been pressured to play within the quantity 10 or right-back place for the previous few months.
Amado, who Gary Neville described as “enjoying soccer like a child”, has been questioned about his greatest match, however it’s clear he’s suited to the wing-back position.
“He by no means stopped occupied with soccer as if he had been enjoying on the road. Wayne Rooney was precisely the identical. They’re road soccer gamers who consider they need to win the ball and take dangers and take dangers.” – Neville on Amad.
His greatest efficiency of the 2024-25 season got here at Previous Trafford, the place he scored a hat-trick towards Southampton, however he did so whereas enjoying barely deeper.
Amad Diallo’s efficiency in PL United (2024/25) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (each 90) | tally |
video games performed | 26 |
targets and assists | 14 |
Cross accuracy | 86% |
shot taken | 2.6 |
A chance has arisen | 2.4 |
dribbling success | 2.1 |
Contact the offensive field | 7.2 |
Statistics by FotMob | |
He was additionally capable of show his creativity, as seen within the 4-0 win over Everton, which noticed him register two assists and win the Man of the Match award.
The similarities between him and Bruno are apparent for all to see, with each having to adapt their current video games to affect Amorim’s philosophy.
Each gamers have made essential contributions in a lot of matches, and there’s no doubt that they are going to be important gamers within the close to future if the membership is to return to its former glory.
