Bruno Fernandes' Return Sparks Darren Fletcher to Revolutionize Ruben Amorim's Game Plan
Darren Fletcher seems to have swiftly restored the 4-2-3-1 formation to Manchester United following his appointment as interim manager after Ruben Amorim's departure.
One contributing factor to Amorim's exit was the reported perception from the club's hierarchy that there had been "insufficient development and advancement" during his 14-month tenure—the Portuguese coach persistently attempted to establish a 3-4-2-1 system with minimal success.
Amorim had argued just before his dismissal that he couldn't modify his tactical approach due to external demands because it would have weakened his authority. He did implement a change for Boxing Day's 1–0 triumph against Newcastle United but reverted to 3-4-2-1 for the following two matches—both ending in stalemates.
Fletcher has employed 4-2-3-1, a formation United supporters have recognized along with its 4-3-3 variation for two decades, throughout the season in his primary role as U18s coach. It was anticipated that he would modify the first-team's tactical setup in his interim capacity and this appears to have occurred.
When the starting lineup for Wednesday's journey to Turf Moor was revealed, the selection appeared to suit a traditional back four, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw positioned alongside central defenders Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martínez.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are expected to establish a midfield duo, with Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu operating on the flanks and Bruno Fernandes occupying the No. 10 role behind central forward Benjamin Šeško.
Bruno Fernandes Returns to Best Position
Throughout much of this campaign, Amorim had bypassed Ugarte and consistently deployed Fernandes as a central midfielder partnering Casemiro. This arguably diminished his offensive influence from advanced positions and placed additional responsibility on the captain to fulfill different roles.
Fletcher has benefited from Fernandes's return to full fitness after an uncommon injury layoff caused him to miss Amorim's final three matches, but immediately reinstating Ugarte to the starting eleven is equally noteworthy.
Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee offer additional attacking alternatives from the substitutes' bench, while Kobbie Mainoo has also recovered from injury to secure his spot in the squad. Having failed to start any Premier League fixture this season under Amorim, the academy graduate must remain patient, though his recovery and potential lack of competitive sharpness could explain his omission this time.