Gary Pallister discusses Bruno Fernandes’ adaptation to a central midfield role | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes is not happy in the central midfield role in Ruben Amorim’s system, according to club legend Gary Pallister.

Speaking exclusively to The Peoples Person courtesy of online betting site BetWright, Pallister suggested that the 3-4-3 formation does not offer the best opportunity for Fernandes to showcase his skills.

Changing the formation

“I’d like to see the team maybe go back to a four at the back and see how they performed then,” the former centre back said.

“I don’t know what the players are thinking, whether the players are anti this system and feel themselves as though they’d be better off playing a 4.

“But [Amorim]’s not for changing, and I admire him for that in a way, because that’s how he feels. He’ll get the best out of the team.

“But I don’t think it’s letting Bruno play in his best position. I think he’s got great energy but I don’t think he’s the greatest at spotting danger when it comes to tracking back and sitting in front of the back five.

“I think you need to give him that free reign where he can go and hurt teams.”

Bruno “subdued”

The former England international then said Fernandes is not playing to his full potential.

“I think he’s a wonderful, wonderful player, he could play a part in any of the great United team over the years. But I think he feels a bit subdued. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him this season and I think that’s a shame because I think he can be a real game changer.”

We asked Pallister if finding the right partner for Fernandes in midfield could solve the problem.

“I think [Amorim]’s looking for the ideal midfield partner for him. Casemiro started the season, he brought Ugarte in [against City], probably thinking we’re going to need that extra energy in the midfield to cope with City.

“We can’t seem to find the right balance. Mason Mount obviously started the season quite well, but he’s injured again. It’s hard to rely on people that aren’t playing games week in, week out.

“We know that Casemiro is a wonderful player, but he probably hasn’t got the energy when we haven’t got a lot of the ball. So he’s searching for that midfield. It was a struggle for Ugarte as well.”

Pallister also spoke to The Peoples Person about why individual errors are such a part of United’s make-up these days and what different skills centre backs need when playing in a three versus a two. That section of the interview will follow in a forthcoming post.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

online polls

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social