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The normally reliable Bruno Fernandes has not had the best start to the current season.
The Manchester United captain has been deployed as part of a double pivot alongside Casemiro, and while his chance creation stats remain excellent, he will need to play further away from goal and take on bigger defensive duties.
And while he has a warm and cordial relationship with Ruben Amorim, the Portugal international is reportedly not too happy with the deeper role.
And that has often boiled over during matches, with the 31-year-old missing two of three penalties in this Premier League season.
Penalty misses
The first came against Fulham, where his shot sailed well over the crossbar. The match ended 1-1, despite the Red Devils creating plenty of chances.
The second miss proved even more decisive as the 20-time English champions crashed to a 1-3 defeat to Brentford.
United had the chance to make it 2-2, but Caoimhín Kelleher guessed correctly and stopped a weak attempt by the club captain.
Speaking to reporters on international duty, Bruno Fernandes admitted he has not been as clinical as he should have been and will work harder to resolve the issue.
“This season, out of three [penalties]In the end I missed two,” said Fernandes ESPN. “I don’t want to miss them, it’s something I need to study more.
Time for introspection
“I will always do it with full conviction, because there is a coach who trusts me. He (Kelleher) was stronger. He did very well, and I didn’t. But it is not something that affects my mind.”
This kind of introspection will please United fans, who will be aware that their talisman never falls short of giving his hundred percent in every match.
Naturally, questions were asked about his new, deeper role and the pressure to get United back to the top, to which Fernandes replied: “I feel good in Manchester, I like the pressure.
“It means that the goal is bigger and that I am someone who likes challenges. I love representing the national team, it is a source of pride. The pressure is the same whether I play for Portugal or for my club. The goal is the same: to win.”
“I love playing football, regardless of the position, I will do my best. Everyone has favorite positions. In a space with a lot of quality you have to adapt.”
In new position
“I played in these positions [coach] Jorge Jesus at Sporting. If you look from the front, you can find more space, the risk is lower.
“When I play as number 10, the goal is to create plays, to finish. I adapt to the team game. The most important thing is to win, I want to play at my best.”
Hopefully the midfielder can prove his critics wrong again as United prepare to take on fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday.
Feature image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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