This follows the midfielder’s recent outing for Portugal, which has led to concerns in some circles that the 31-year-old United captain isn’t quite himself currently, with the team sitting 10th in the Premier League ahead of a challenging visit to face champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. ..Continue Reading
Fernandes has consistently been United’s key figure in pivotal situations, even during difficult periods under Ruben Amorim.
Regarding Amorim, there are claims that the manager’s dedication to his system is creating friction within the United squad.
Sources indicate that some experienced members of the team have yet to fully accept Amorim’s approach, although one recent arrival is backing the manager.
As if United weren’t already dealing with enough problems, questions are now being raised about Fernandes.
That’s according to reports from the Portuguese media, some of which were critical of his showing in the latest international fixture, as noted by the Mirror.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to move Portugal closer to securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup. However, Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai netted a last-gasp equaliser, postponing Portugal’s celebrations.
While Ronaldo received acclaim for his brace, scrutiny surrounded Fernandes’ seemingly lackluster performance.
Renascenca suggested both he and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva displayed signs of “physical fatigue” compared to their typical performances.
A Bola clearly wasn’t particularly taken with the playmaker either, handing Fernandes merely a six out of 10 rating for his display. That predictably placed him amongst the lower-rated Portuguese players on the evening.
“He hit the post once in the second half, but that was perhaps the only time he managed to find space in the central corridor,” the evaluation stated. “For this reason, he often appeared close to the line, especially on the left, but without gaining any influence.”
If there are signs that Fernandes is already feeling the strain this season, United will be eager for a turnaround before Sunday’s clash at Anfield.
If the captain isn’t at full strength, Amorim’s men could be in for a tough test against a Liverpool side determined to end a run of three straight defeats.
Confusion continues to linger at Old Trafford amid ongoing skepticism about Amorim’s system.
The Daily Mail claimed last month that certain United players remain unconvinced by the manager’s 3-4-3 formation, which was implemented following his appointment to replace Erik ten Hag in November 2024.
Still, while some teammates may be frustrated with the manager’s unwavering tactics, Matheus Cunha sees it as a chance to thrive. The £65million summer acquisition believes his flexibility will be an asset under Amorim.
It’s not hard to see why, considering Cunha’s favored positions—striker, second striker, or classic No. 10—align well with Amorim’s setup.
The Brazilian responded to critics by asserting that it’s the responsibility of United’s players to adapt to the system, rather than expecting it to shift for them.
“I think that because I play for Manchester [United] and people follow me more on the pitch, they understand better how I play,” he told Globo during the international break. “I think it’s part of having that weight, which is a privilege.
“It’s a weight that came after the Tokyo Olympics [for Brazil in 2021]. And if it means having that weight and becoming a champion, I think it’s worth putting up with a little bit of confusion about where [I] play.
“I came to the national team with this stereotype of a number 9 shirt. I play my entire base as a midfielder, and when I became a professional, I encountered this world of 4-3-3. It seems like you have to adapt: either play centre-forward, winger, or ‘eight’.
“They eliminated the midfielder position, and you have to adapt. But I see it positively, as it has given me experience, many more positions, and even more so in short-term tournaments with the national team. Having a versatile player is a huge help for any coach.”
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