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RUBEN AMORIM STRUGGLES AS MAN UTD BRUNO FERNANDES ISSUE PERSISTS

Manchester United's draw with Forest exposed deep flaws in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system. The tactical analysis reveals a Bruno Fernandes dilemma, the need for Kobbie Mainoo, and a critical shortage of effective wing-backs at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim struggles as Man Utd Bruno Fernandes issue persists
Amorim battles unseen challenge as Fernandes issue hits Man Utd - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Manchester United briefly appeared to be regaining control of the situation. Three consecutive victories, the first in almost two years, had sparked discussions about development, momentum, and Ruben Amorim's beginning to settle in.

However, Saturday's 2-2 draw with relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest—which would have been a crushing loss had it not been for Amad Diallo's incredible late goal—served as a sobering reminder that United's issues go far beyond a few recent performances.

The team is still unable to dominate games for extended periods of time. When under stress, they nevertheless appear delicate. United still feels like a work in progress, a side divided between tradition and change, despite all the buzz about Amorim's new ideas and enthusiasm.

In addition to stopping momentum, the draw at Forest revealed Amorim's ungainly balance in their changing 3-4-3. When United dominates possession, the system may appear sleek, but when they are forced to defend in numbers and scrape and claw, it swiftly breaks down.

Bruno Fernandes, the captain, talisman, and possibly one of United's biggest tactical issues, is at the centre of it all. In light of that, here are three things to remember from United's concerning weekend.

The issue of Fernandes


As one of the two centre midfielders in Amorim's 3-4-3, Fernandes has been comparatively successful. His inventiveness and deft passing may be crucial when United is ahead and has possession of the ball. However, his presence in that role becomes a problem in more difficult away games, such as Forest.

He lacks the discipline to keep shape and the mobility to cover territory, leaving United's midfield vulnerable. It reminds me of Cesc Fabregas at Chelsea under Antonio Conte, who was a good football player but too light for the structure and energy needed in a two-man midfield. Chelsea gained balance and eventually won the Premier League as a result of Conte's choice to give preference to N'Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic.

For the time being, United might be able to use Fernandes in that capacity, particularly while playing weaker teams. However, Amorim might have to make the audacious decision to move Fernandes further forward or off the club entirely if he really wants to assemble a team that can contend for major awards.

Naturally, the issue is that promoting him could displace Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who both appear to be much more suited as inside forwards in this style. In addition, despite his tactical shortcomings, Fernandes is still a beloved goal scorer and talisman for United, one of the few players whose form has remained consistent over the past several tumultuous seasons.

However, if Amorim continues, so will his 3-4-3, and Fernandes will feel more and more out of place in it. Some will believe he's too excellent to drop and worth shoehorning into the side - but pushing him into a role that doesn't fit him could eventually cost United when it matters most.

Although it is a difficult puzzle to solve, the Red Devils must be prepared to omit even the largest piece if doing so makes the entire picture fit together better, if they genuinely want to be a top team once more.

Mainoo is essential.


One player must be a member of United's midfield if it is to be effective: Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old gives United a unique combination of poise, agility, and intellect that they desperately lack. He possesses the discipline to defend his back line while gliding past a push and moving the ball forward purposefully.

You need balance, control, and vigour to make a 3-4-3 work. Mainoo meets all of those requirements, thus it makes perfect sense to partner him with a real holding midfielder like Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, or a summer acquisition like Carlos Baleba.

Many people have been perplexed by Amorim's choice to exclude him. Mainoo might be the difference in games where United finds it difficult to manage the pace. Mainoo provides rhythm, a sense of peace that lets others play, while Fernandes brings risk. Reintroducing the young player should be Amorim's first move if he wants to build a midfield that can dictate the game rather than just respond to it.

In addition to structure and discipline, two-man midfields require energy—the capacity to cover ground, press strategically, and recover swiftly during transitions. Amorim appears to be committed to partnering Casemiro with Fernandes, but that lineup just does not have the passion and agility needed to compete with the best.

Casemiro no longer possesses the legs necessary to control wide areas by himself, while Fernandes excels at creating chances and being creative rather than playing defence or recovering the ball. United's midfield, which is strong on paper but slow in practice, runs the risk of being overrun without a more energetic partner like Mainoo.

Wing-backs are required.


The other obvious problem is widespread. Wing-backs are crucial to Amorim's 3-4-3 because they can stretch the field and play smart defence. United currently lacks both.

The only obvious choice is Patrick Dorgu, although he has not always been reliable. Diogo Dalot, who is right-footed, is still filling in on the left, while Amad is being squandered at right wing-back. It is a clumsy arrangement that makes United much too vulnerable during transition and far too direct moving ahead.

Finding suitable wing-backs must be the focus of the January transfer window and the following summer if United is serious about making this formation work. Players with the ability to recover fast, deliver quality, and bomb forward. Last summer, they spent more than £200 million on forwards when it would have made much more sense to spend £50-100 million on two top-tier wing-backs.

They are now being connected to high-priced midfield players like Elliot Anderson and Baleba. However, the building will continue to collapse unless the flanks are fixed. The technique relies on balance, and Amorim will continue to try to construct a house without walls until United finds suitable wing-backs.

WHY MARCUS RASHFORD IS OFFICIALLY SNUBBING MICHAEL CARRICK’S MANCHESTER UNITED SOS RETURN PLEA

Marcus Rashford has no interest in a Manchester United return. Discover why he’s choosing a permanent £26m move to Barcelona instead.

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Marcus Rashford is right to choose the sun of Spain over Manchester

Marcus Rashford isn’t looking back at Manchester United. After his loan to Barcelona, he’s made it pretty clear he wants to stay in Spain for good.

He landed at Barca last summer, a move that made sense after things soured for him at Old Trafford. Hansi Flick brought him in on a season-long loan, with a deal in place to buy him for €30 million (£26 million). Rashford wasted no time showing his worth—22 goal contributions in 32 games. He’s settled in fast, and the fans have noticed.

Earlier on, it sounded like Barcelona might try to haggle over the fee, maybe push for another loan or a cheaper deal. But now, according to Marca, that’s off the table. The club’s ready to pay what they agreed and make Rashford’s move permanent. Rashford wants it too. Everyone seems to be on the same page.

The Mirror reports Rashford has zero interest in heading back to Manchester. He wants his future sorted before England sets off for the 2026 World Cup in North America. No surprise there—he’s not looking to drag things out.

England’s first match is June 17 against Croatia, just two weeks after Barcelona’s season wraps up. Some talk suggested Michael Carrick, if he gets the United job permanently, could try to lure Rashford back. But honestly, Rashford’s mind is made up. He wants Spain, and that’s that.

Even if the Barcelona deal somehow falls through, Rashford would rather move elsewhere than wear United’s shirt again. If everything goes as planned, his transfer will be United’s first big move this summer.

He’s not the only one heading out. Casemiro’s already confirmed he’s leaving, and a few others might follow. United have juggled rumours about guys like Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kobbie Mainoo, especially back in January. After Ruben Amorim left, Mainoo actually found himself in a stronger spot at United and has started every match since Carrick came back. Lately, there’s been a real push to get him into the England squad.

Meanwhile, United are fighting for a Champions League spot. If they make the top five, they’ll have more cash to play with this summer. Last year, they spent over £200 million beefing up the squad, even without European football.

If Rashford, Ugarte, and Zirkzee all leave, United will have even more flexibility to reshape the team. Top priorities? A central midfielder, a centre-forward, and a left winger before the 2026/27 season kicks off. This summer’s shaping up to be busy at Old Trafford.

COLE PALMER "OPEN" TO MANCHESTER UNITED SWITCH AMID HOMESICK RUMORS

Cole Palmer is reportedly open to a summer move to boyhood club Manchester United as claims of homesickness emerge at Chelsea.

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Family ties are pulling Chelsea’s star back to Manchester

Cole Palmer just can’t seem to escape transfer talk. Now, it’s Manchester United in the headlines, with rumours swirling that he’s homesick after spending two and a half years at Chelsea.

Apparently, Palmer wouldn’t mind a big summer move to United—his boyhood club—especially with fresh claims that he’s not exactly settled in London. He joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5 million deal and quickly became one of their main attacking threats. But now, the England international’s name keeps popping up in connection to a return up north.

The Sun says Palmer would be open if United came calling, since he grew up supporting them. But don’t expect him to head back to City while Pep Guardiola’s still the boss. That door’s basically closed.

It’s worth noting that Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, knows Palmer well from his time at City’s academy. Wilcox is a big fan—hard not to be, after Palmer racked up 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.

Despite signing a new deal with Chelsea last year that runs until 2033, Palmer reportedly misses his hometown of Wythenshawe.

Injuries have made this season tough for him. He’s only managed 13 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, and he missed Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday because of a thigh problem. Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s new head coach, confirmed that before the match.

Rosenior’s already tried to put a lid on the transfer rumours, especially the talk about Palmer being homesick. “I’ve spoken to Cole plenty of times, and he seems really happy here,” Rosenior said last week. “He’s a huge part of our long-term plans.

“My job—and the club’s—is to help him consistently play at his best. He was frustrated after the Brentford game, for sure. We need to take care of him, and that’s why I kept him out of the last match.”

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