Danny Murphy thinks Erik ten Hag has found new role for Bruno Fernandes after Man City loss

After Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes stood out as a false nine in Sunday’s Manchester derby, Match of the Day commentator Danny Murphy gushed about the player.

Bruno Fernandes impressed Danny Murphy in the Manchester derby (Image: BBC Sport)

In the Manchester derby, United captain Bruno Fernandes was asked to play false nine, and Danny Murphy was pleased with his performance.

After setting up Marcus Rashford, the England striker blasted a 25-yard shot past Ederson in the home goal, 29-year-old Fernandes had a hand in the spectacular opening goal. Phil Foden scored twice and Erling Haaland scored in stoppage time to lead United to a 3-1 derby defeat.

Rasmus Hojlund, United’s starting striker, was out injured going into the derby. Erik ten Hag chose to use Fernandes, who caught Murphy’s eye, in that position rather than Rashford.

Murphy remarked on Bruno’s performance in the false nine role, saying, “Bruno was terrific today I have to say” during Match of the Day 2. Is he calm enough to keep it up and find someone when he races in behind the defense and doesn’t always get to his feet? Scott McTominay made a fantastic run to set up Rashford, and the strike is reminiscent of the goals he scored last season.

Although Fernandes typically plays a bit deeper, Ten Hag hasn’t been hesitant to use his captain in different positions on the field. In the most recent Manchester derby, which United lost 3-0 in October, the Portugal international started on the right wing.

Several commentators have criticized the choice to start the attacking midfielder out wide because of Fernandes’ lack of impact in the Old Trafford match. Paul Scholes, a former United midfielder, has warned Ten Hag against releasing Fernandes into wide areas.

After being benched in a 7-0 loss to Liverpool, United’s captain, Thiago Silva, was reinserted into the starting lineup for a pivotal Europa League match against Real Betis a few days later. In March 2023, Scholes mentioned a few players who were criticized during the Liverpool match: Bruno in particular. He was outstanding in the center of the field, which is where he is most effective, according to Scholes. He was so effective as a playmaker in the middle of the field that I really hope we never see him playing wide again.