Game of Numbers #40 – Bruno Fernandes as an ‘8’

They might not be firmly in the top four yet, but Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United have seen significant improvement this season.

Much has been made in the media about Amorim’s use of the 3-4-2-1 and whether or not it’s a perfect fit for players like Bruno Fernandes and his midfield partner Casemiro. But with some new signings hitting the ground running, Manchester United are clicking on all cylinders and getting the best out of their best players.

Here is why Ruben Amorim’s use of Bruno as an ‘8’ has worked so far in 2025-26.

BRUNO’S BOX TO BOX MOBILITY

Bruno Fernandes has always had a wonderful engine. He’s always been both an intense and intelligent part of United’s pressing, and great at gaining yards both on and off the ball through that same stamina.

Playing him deeper on the field can allow for him to be part of that initial counter-attack in fantastic ways.

In the image above, he intercepts the ball in his own penalty area. Rather than hoofing it up the field for a striker to chase, he dribbles the ball out of trouble, beats two players, and wins a foul for his team.

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Having his defensive presence in United’s third is a great thing, especially under a system that allows for more explosive players further forward, like Bryan Mbeumo, who can immediately be released for counter attacks.

A constant ideology for United after winning the ball back is – find Bruno Fernandes. He’s often close to the situation since he loves to run around the pitch getting stuck into challenges. He’s like a magnet to the ball.

Bruno will then release an out of this world pass, often times to the speed in behind of Mbeumo.

Playing him deeper on the field also means that he can act as the key playmaker all over the pitch. United haven’t really had that type of player controlling games from a deep midfield position in a long time. The last one I can remember is Michael Carrick.

And while Bruno is not exactly acting as the deep-lying Michael Carrick, having a talented ball player better set the tempo from midfield is a great thing for the Red Devils. It increases the speed and verticality of United’s play, where the 31-year-old is often the one setting things into motion, kickstarting moves, or getting the assist before the assist.

STILL THE ’10’ TOO

Another reason why this works so well is that Bruno is still able to do all the things he did so well as a ’10’ in United’s previous use of the 4-2-3-1.

A 3-4-2-1 usually combines a defensive destroyer with more of a box to box presence. Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante’s combination at Chelsea under Antonio Conte, for a famous example. Bruno is that box to box presence, and Casemiro is the defensive destroyer that allows Bruno to work his magic further up the pitch.

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For what it’s worth, Casemiro still covers ground very well, still gets in the face of the opposition, and still breaks up play very well. Despite many calling for his time to be up at United, he’s having a great season and allows Bruno to do some of his best stuff because of how adept he is at breaking up play and covering space.

With the Brazilian in behind, Bruno can then get into the types of positions and roles he would have previously enacted as a ’10’. He’s the one playing that killer through pass in central areas.

He’s the one getting into the half-spaces to cross the ball into the box from dangerous positions.

He’s the one anchoring a compact diamond press from the front, and all the counter-pressing that allows United to win the ball high up the pitch and immediately go again.

And with Bruno starting higher than Casemiro in pressing and counter-pressing situations, it means he’s right there to be the one creating as soon as they win the ball. And creating with three mobile players ahead, and one of the league’s standout scorers.

That’s perfect for the Portuguese playmaker, and often allows him to showcase his unbelievable magic. He’ll create at least one moment of insanity every game whether it be his one touch floater for Harry Maguire against Liverpool, or his recent assist for Mason Mount against Wolves.

Without a doubt Bruno Fernandes should be having fun as an ‘8’ in Amorim’s system. With 4 goals and 6 assists in 15 matches so far, he’s on pace for double figures in both categories this season, and still the undeniable star leading United to better times.

Whether or not a top four finish is on the cards remain to be seen, but Amorim’s United are certainly better off than this time last year.

Thanks for reading and see you soon!