Bruno Fernandes played out of position during Portugal's narrow 1-0 victory over Wales in Thursday night's Nations League encounter. However, the Manchester United captain's new international manager, Jorge Jesus, believes the 32-year-old fell short of expectations.
Fernandes' unusual role
Fernandes featured as a left-sided forward, yet Jesus wasn't satisfied with his display, during which he appeared somewhat detached at times. The Portugal boss told RTP: "Every game has its own story. With Ruben Amorim, he played like that. It's a position he knows perfectly."
"The only difference is that, defensively, he has to drop deeper. He could have been better with the ball. The team needed him more."
Fernandes' record and tactical shifts
Since his Old Trafford arrival in 2020, Fernandes has proved indispensable for United. His remarkable tally of 111 goals and 106 assists has secured numerous victories, including last month's 5-2 triumph against Ipswich Town where Fernandes scored a hat-trick. Appointed club captain in July 2023, he has maintained the role throughout.
But last year, the Portugal international became the subject of tactical debate when former United manager Ruben Amorim repositioned him. Historically, Fernandes had consistently operated as a No. 10, orchestrating play and threatening opposition defences. Amorim's tactical framework, however, excluded a traditional No 10 role.
As a result, Fernandes was deployed either as a deeper dual No. 8 or No. 6 within a two-man double pivot, or as an inverted left winger. The 32-year-old found himself in a wider role once more on Thursday, with Jesus mirroring a tactical approach frequently employed by predecessor Roberto Martinez.
Fernandes responds
Fernandes offered his own perspective on the fixture and his tactical role, saying: "If you notice, I was rarely on the wing. Defensively, yes, tracking back, pressing the full-back in higher positions on the pitch."
"Otherwise, it's very much about what the manager's idea is, which is to have a player inside who can link up play, drop deep to play, also support the striker and the second striker, create a triangle in the middle and on the wings, help in both areas."
"That's what I did. The manager asked me for this role in this game. He's already told me I can play in different positions with him. So for me, the most important thing is that what I do helps the team, and I will always do my best in whatever position the manager puts me in."
Reflecting on the final score, Fernandes went on to say: "We created many opportunities, we were almost always in the opponent's half. We were very capable of having the ball, of dominating the game."
"Obviously, there are always aspects to improve in every game, regardless of the result, but I think it was a very good performance. After three days of work, the team assimilated the ideas well and what the manager asked of us, but there are aspects to improve."
