6
Ruben Amorim was determined to take Manchester United back to the top, but his reluctance to adapt tactically ultimately proved to be his downfall. Although he had a clear blueprint, the crew at his disposal simply could not execute it with precision.
Amorim was stubborn
For many, the Portuguese tactician should have compromised and tailored a system better suited to the players available. He had to deploy them in their best positions, get results in the meantime and lobby INEOS to equip him with staff that were truly suited to his system.
These tactical debates showed that one player in particular felt limited by Amorim’s decisions: Bruno Fernandes.
Since joining, Fernandes has been United’s main creator; a playmaker with an instinct for goals, whether he delivers them or scores himself. But while he should have operated closer to goal, Amorim ended up deploying him deep, turning him into a deep-lying playmaker.
This positional shift did not erase the Portuguese magnifico’s influence, but many felt he would have been much more decisive further forward rather than deeply shackled.
Following Amorim’s dismissal, interim head coach Darren Fletcher and caretaker Michael Carrick made a crucial change by returning Fernandes to the number 10 role. This step quickly began to yield positive results.
In three appearances in that position, Fernandes has rejuvenated United’s attacking play, providing three assists and sparking new creativity.
🇵🇹🪄 Bruno Fernandes vs Premier League midfielders
🥇 Assists – 1st
🥇 Expected assists – 1st
🥇 Shot assists – 1st
🥇 Key passes – 1st
🥇 Goals + assists – 1st
🥇 NPG+A – 1st
🥇 Shots – 1st
🥇 Expected Goals – 1st
🥇 xG + xA – 1st
🥇npxG + xA – 1st
🥇 Via completed passes… https://t.co/2UvSX8jxZj pic.twitter.com/6gtiT52y4f— DataMB (@DataMB_) January 24, 2026
And now Benjamin Sesko believes his captain’s return to the number 10 role is a game-changing tactical adjustment.
Sesko: Bruno is the perfect 10 for me
Speak with Arena Sport Sloveniathe striker admitted:
“It’s great to play with him as a number 10 because he is a great and exceptional player.
“You realize he makes passes that not everyone can produce. I especially enjoyed my first goal against Burnley because I knew he was the player who could deliver the ball that way and in many other situations.”
“So I’m happy with his move to this position and the passes he gives me.”
Sesko is right to celebrate Fernandes as number 10; he will likely be the biggest beneficiary of this tactical shift.
Previously, Sesko often struggled for service under Amorim’s system, even when United managed to score. Too often he was left isolated and fed on leftovers.
With Fernandes returning to the role of playmaker, Sesko’s fortunes should change. He now looks set to thrive thanks to the flood of chances United’s number 8 creates with ease.
Attention now turns to Arsenal. Will Sesko start?
Many are wondering whether Carrick will recall him to the starting XI after being dropped to the bench in the win over Manchester City. The decision to leave him out was a risky one, especially considering he scored two goals in two games, but it paid off.
Now all eyes are on whether the attacker will return to the starting line-up, and if so, who will pave the way for the Sesko-Fernandes partnership, which promises to be a box-office success.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of Man United’s most important news sites for over ten years. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
#Benjamin #Sesko #believes #tactical #change #spark #Man #Uniteds #revival #Man #United #News #Transfer #News #Peoples #Person