Tag: Bruno Fernandes

Who should replace Casemiro at Manchester United?

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Data Analysis, Defensive Midfield, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

There are exits that feel like endings, and endings that feel like reckonings. Casemiro’s Instagram announcement this week — confirming he’ll leave Manchester United at the end of the season — is both. It's the departure of their most experienced leader, and at the same time, a clear willingness from United to move on past the era of plugging any gap with star power. While this might be a smart financial decision, it's also a decision they have to get absolutely spot on. Casemiro is just about irreplaceable. Nevertheless, I attempt to find his replacement. Here are the candidates to replace Casemiro, and why this won't be easy for the Red Devils.

United’s attacking depth the difference against Arsenal

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Premier League, Team Analysis

Manchester United may have been second-best for long stretches against Arsenal, but the match ultimately exposed a growing truth about Carrick's team: they can score from anywhere, at any moment, through anyone. While Arsenal controlled the possession, United’s depth in attack - spread across the squad rather than one star, proved decisive. In a season defined by inconsistency, this ability to flip a match on its head in seconds might be their most valuable weapon in the race for Champions League football.

Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City – Match Analysis – Carrick’s first in charge

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Premier League

Manchester United cannot compete with the likes of City, Chelsea or Arsenal by playing a possession-based game. Not at present moment. But they can compete with any team in the league by playing on the counter, and racing forward at high speeds. If United were going to win against City today, it was always going to come this way. And against so much of the criticism about United, Carrick didn't try to do anything extraordinary. He just set up a team that would be difficult to break down, full of leadership, and full of attacking intensity on the break. And as a result of that approach, it could have been 4 or 5-0. It could have been that bad for the Citizens. United were that vivacious on the attack. Here is my analysis of United's 2-0 win over City in the Manchester derby.

Why won’t Matheus Cunha pass to Patrick Dorgu?

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League

Matheus Cunha has been one of the brightest spots in what is slowly becoming a dim season for Manchester United. But for all that he's done so well this season, he's yet to find a sense of synchronization with a pretty key teammate - Patrick Dorgu. Most notably, he just won't pass Dorgu the ball. Weird, huh?

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

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League

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.

Ruben Amorim – Manchester United – Tactical Analysis – 2025-26

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis

This is a rather optimistic take on the state of Manchester United, amidst much in the way of common criticism and calls for Amorim's head that will likely continue to circle the media all season long. Here is my tactical analysis of the Red Devils to start the 2025-2026 Premier League season.

Game of Numbers #38 – Alejandro Garnacho’s intensity & awareness

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League

It's amazing to think that Alejandro Garnacho is only 19 years of age. Sometimes, you can see the rawness in his game. The facets that still need to be carefully developed. But as he ages, let's hope he never loses his tenacity. His hunger for more. His appetite to win at all costs, even when no one else is pulling their weight. He might not have the soaring high stats to back this up, but I truly believe Alejandro Garnacho is one of the players of this season in the Premier League. That's promising for United, who so desperately need something to cling onto for the future. Here is Game of Numbers #38, including what makes Alejandro Garnacho one of the best young players in the Prem.

Why Mason Mount is perfect for Manchester United

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

While it's true that Mason Mount didn't hit quite the same high notes in 2022-23, the same could be said of any Chelsea player. For Manchester United to now swoop in for one of the most highly rated midfielders on the planet at even a £60 million fee could be one of the signings of the summer. With that, we assess why Mason Mount is perfect for an Erik Ten Hag team, and why Mount's career could be set to progress from here.