Tag: Bruno Fernandes

Michael Carrick has given Manchester United their joy back

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

At the time of Ruben Amorim's shock sacking, Manchester United sat sixth in the table. There were signs of hope and progress, but also much in the way of disappointment and misalignment. Since Carrick entered the frame at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have won four in a row, closing the gap on City in second to just three points. This is a United team that are not only playing with simultaneous swagger and stability. But a team that is rooted in togetherness. Even beyond the results, this is the most impressive thing that Carrick and his coaching team have done since coming into the fold at United. They've created a team that are incredibly organized and tough to beat, fluid and exciting on the attacking end, and together in everything they do.

Casemiro is leaving, and United still can’t replace him

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Defensive Midfield, Game of Numbers, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting

Casemiro's been one of the best players in each of Carrick's matches in charge. In fact, he's been almost too good. Sunday's match against Fulham exposed exactly what United will miss when he departs, and why he might be someone they simply can't afford to lose, even if they must. At home to Fulham, Casemiro dominated the midfield, and put his stamp on both of the opening goals - scoring one and assisting the next. His absence in the dying moments of the game served only as a warning sign against Fulham, as Carrick's red-hot start to the season continued. But if this is how they play without him, the Red Devils better hope he's fit until the end of May.

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.