Former Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan has cast doubt on Bruno Fernandes' fit under new head coach Ruben Amorim, warning that the club must decide whether the Portuguese playmaker is 'part of the answer or part of the problem'. Speaking to The Athletic, Phelan highlighted concerns over Fernandes' defensive discipline and his tendency to overexert influence on the pitch.
Fernandes has enjoyed a resurgence under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, scoring three goals in two games after managing just one under Erik ten Hag earlier this season. However, with Amorim set to implement a 3-4-3 formation featuring narrow No.10s, questions remain over how Fernandes will adapt to a more structured role without wingers.
Phelan, who played a key role in scouting Fernandes ahead of his 2020 move from Sporting CP, described the midfielder as 'quite undisciplined' yet effective in Portugal. He noted that Fernandes became 'the focal point of everything' at Old Trafford, a shift that may have affected his consistency. 'He probably tried to affect everybody and forgot about himself,' Phelan added.
During his time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, Fernandes notched 49 goals and 39 assists in 123 matches. Under Ten Hag, he managed 61 contributions in 120 games. Phelan stressed that Amorim must return Fernandes to his best while managing his leadership drive, warning that failure could lead to problems.
United are expected to undergo a tactical overhaul under Amorim, with wing-backs providing width and the No.10s operating centrally. Whether Fernandes can thrive in this system remains to be seen, but Phelan's comments suggest the club faces a critical decision on his long-term role.
