After failing to score in the last 17 matches under Erik ten Hag, Bruno Fernandes has now scored 4 goals under interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Fernandes opened the scoring in Man United's 3-0 win over Leicester in the Premier League. This was also the match that ended Van Nistelrooy's short period with 3 wins in 4 matches.
Ruben Amorim will officially become Man United's head coach. And he will need the Portuguese midfielder to continue his current form.
"It's been a long time since I've scored and now the goals have come in the last few matches. Another clean sheet is very important for us to regain the fortress we had here. We have to continue to do that and we have to improve.
This is a new era, a new manager means everything has changed, but what remains unchanged is that this club must return to where it belongs," Fernandes said after the win over Leicester.
The new leadership team of Man United has put their faith in Amorim to turn the club around. They also expect Fernandes to lead and center.
The Portuguese midfielder was given a new contract in August, according to which he will stay at Old Trafford until 2027. The contract with a significant salary increase makes him one of the "Red Devils"' highest-paid players, along with Marcus Rashford and Casemiro. This means that, regardless of who the coach is, Fernandes will still be the central figure.
Amorim will have to find a role for Fernandes in his squad, even if he changes positions. The 30-year-old played best in the "number 10" position, but Amorim preferred to use 2 wingers. They are the ones who take on a creative role, suitable for Fernandes, but require tactical discipline.
Whether under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Ten Hag, Fernandes has been able to move comfortably. He has taken advantage of this freedom, contributing to 100 goals in 170 Premier League games since joining Man United in 2020.
The Portuguese international will have to change to adapt to Amorim. There is no doubt about Fernandes' flexibility, but he has also faced criticism many times for lacking understanding of tactics.
Appointed in mid-season, Amorim will not make any major changes until January as Man United continue to struggle with a tight budget.
Therefore, Fernandes will be the key to Amorim's hopes for early success. If he continues to maintain his impressive form, the "Red Devils" will have more confidence in a new start.
" Those are 3 important points. In 4 matches, Bruno Fernandes scored a number of important goals, as well as assisted. He's back and he's scoring a lot. That is Bruno Fernandes who is helping the team the most" - Van Nistelrooy said.
