Owen Hargreaves outlines easy Fernandes–Mbeumo fix that could turn things around for Amorim | OneFootball

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has urged Ruben Amorim to implement a simple tweak involving Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo, suggesting it could improve the team’s fortunes.

United enduring tough start to the season

United have picked up a mere seven points from their opening six Premier League games. They’ve lost three games and are currently sitting in 14th place in the table.

Last weekend’s result, a 3-1 loss to Brentford, has sparked fresh speculation over Amorim’s future and whether he is the right man to take the club forward.

The Portuguese coach is under immense pressure to oversee an immediate improvement in performances and results, amidst rumours that the Red Devils are already lining up potential replacements.

Ahead of United’s meeting with Sunderland on Saturday, Hargreaves has urged Amorim to return Fernandes to his preferred number 10 role while deploying summer recruit Mbeumo as the striker.

Hargreaves calls for tactical fix

The United Champions League winner told TNT Sports about Fernandes, “He’s not playing his natural position, he’s playing deeper. He’s playing as a box-to-box midfielder. Bruno’s one of the best creators in the division. So you’ve got to play him in his natural position.”

“But because they play two 10s, you could argue Man Utd’s two best players last season were Amad [Diallo] and Bruno. They were the two 10s, and then they went and signed two more 10s in Cunha and Mbeumo when you didn’t have a keeper or a striker.”

“So they probably could have done that. But they decided to get goals and sign proven Premier League players in Cunha and Mbeumo, which I like. But now Bruno has to play deeper to get on the ball and create.”

“So maybe he’s not in the right defensive position because it’s not his game, so that’s on the manager to pick that. But I’d love to see Bruno play as a 10, maybe with Mbeumo as a No. 9. If you have Cunha and Bruno playing as two 10s plus Mbeumo, that’s good.”

“Maybe play Amad as a wing-back on the left if you want to stay with the formation. I just think it’s harsh on Bruno, him being criticised. I can’t imagine where they’d be without him. I said that to him last year, towards the end of the season before the Europa League final. What he’s been able to produce in terms of consistency for them, that’s what you need from everybody.”

Hargreaves also urged Amorim to settle on a first-choice defensive unit, stressing that consistency at the back brings balance to the team. He pointed to Liverpool and Arsenal as clubs reaping the rewards of stability in defence.

Additionally, Hargreaves also stressed the need to sort out the goalkeeping situation. Altay Bayindir is currently the preferred starter, but his unconvincing displays have led to increased calls for Senne Lammens to get his chance.

Featured image Richard Pelham via Getty Images

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