Bruno Fernandes’s importance to Manchester United has decreased slightly this season as Bryan Mbeumo has taken on a talismanic role, but Portugal gave Ruben Amorim something to worry about recently.
After a change of position this season, Bruno Fernandes has become more of an orchestrator than a finisher for Man Utd.
The same hasn’t happened in Portugal, however, with manager Roberto Martinez eager to utilise Fernandes’ strengths furthe
It has often led to questions for Ruben Amorim because Fernandes continues to dominate for his national team in an advanced role, but a more familiar question has now arisen for the Man Utd manager.
Portugal’s Man Utd deja vu due to Bruno Fernandes
Despite Fernandes’ heroics at Old Trafford since his arrival, there remains a section of Man Utd fans who are not entirely convinced whether he holds the team back or not.
This question is answered emphatically whenever United play without Fernandes.
Irrespective of his position, the team looks toothless and devoid of personality when he doesn’t play.
His presence might frustrate some, but his absence sends it all into a tailspin, which is where Portugal’s latest game comes into the picture.
Portugal’s attacking talents are much richer than United’s, but they still got a glimpse into the “post-Fernandes” era.
Fernandes missed their recent away game against Ireland due to suspension, and the team looked completely devoid of any threat.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sending off added to their misery as they lost 2-0 to the home team in a shock result that makes more sense in this context.
As it turns out, a game without Fernandes for Portugal doesn’t look that different from one at Man Utd.
For Ruben Amorim, that’s an issue he needs to get ahead of and tread carefully.
Ruben Amorim needs to plan for after Bruno Fernandes
Man Utd almost started this season without Fernandes, as he was the subject of a money-spinning offer from Saudi Arabia before the season began.
It was a testament to the player’s ambition that he stayed put and reinvented himself in a new role amid a difficult start to the season.
However, the rumours have refused to go away, prompting many to feel that it’s a matter of “when”, and not “if” Fernandes leaves United in the near future.
Having seen the team struggle without him, and now with Portugal suffering the same fate, Amorim needs to start planning for a team that doesn’t forget how to play football without the “Magnifico” in it.
Whether it’s overhauling the midfield entirely or getting a like-for-like player, which would be extremely tough, Amorim needs to get ahead of this problem and fix it pre-emptively.
Portugal got a dose of what happens without Fernandes. United have already had several doses, and none of them have promised a better future.
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