Bruno Fernandes Turns Into Manchester Uniteds Dilemma

Manchester United’s £206m summer spree has unsettled captain Bruno Fernandes, once their most reliable player. Pushed into a deeper midfield role alongside an ageing Casemiro, Fernandes struggled in the 1-1 draw at Fulham, missing a penalty and failing to control play. United’s unbalanced squad lacks a strong midfield general, leaving Fernandes ineffective and Amorim facing mounting problems.

After the 1-1 draw between Manchester United and Fulham, Bruno Fernandes found himself under heavy scrutiny as his missed penalty overshadowed another underwhelming display. Once United’s most reliable player, Fernandes now appears lost in Ruben Amorim’s reshaped system, where the club’s £206m summer spree has tilted focus almost entirely toward attack. Big-money signings Benjamin Sesko (£73m), Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have transformed United’s frontline, but the midfield looks unbalanced and Fernandes has been forced into a deeper role alongside a fading Casemiro.

Casemiro’s lack of mobility and constant risk of suspension highlighted United’s vulnerability, with Manuel Ugarte also struggling to convince Amorim. Fulham’s equaliser, scored by Emile Smith Rowe, exposed midfield failings, while Fernandes’ skied penalty added to frustrations. Critics argue United neglected obvious needs in midfield and goalkeeping, opting instead to gamble on attacking firepower. Players like Joao Palhinha, available on loan at Tottenham after Bayern Munich let him go, could have been a cost-effective solution, yet United overlooked such opportunities.

While the new-look attack promises goals when fully fit, defensive frailties and an unprotected keeper leave United exposed. Most concerning for Amorim is that Fernandes, their captain and last season’s driving force, is now struggling to influence games, creating a fresh dilemma at Old Trafford.