Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is on a collision course with Bruno Fernandes with the German hoping to move him out of his preferred position.
Fernandes has almost exclusively played as a No.10 since arriving on English shores to devastating effect at the start of 2020.
The Portuguese international quickly established himself as one of the top talents in European football, becoming United’s talisman in the process.
But since the arrival of his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer, Fernandes has been forced to tailor his game after some disappointing showings.
After registering just one goal and assist between the end of October and middle of January, Fernandes has seen his form transformed over the last four days, scoring twice against Aston Villa before setting up a pair of goals in the win over Brentford.
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His rejuvenation has coincided with Rangnick finally ditching his 4-2-2-2 formation which saw the 27-year-old play as one of two forward thinking midfielders behind the strikers.
Against the Bees, Fernandes was lined up alongside Scott McTominay and Fred in midfield and created goals for Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford in the timely 3-1 victory.
And Rangnick looks set to keep him in the more withdrawn role, believing he is more suited there than as a traditional No.10.
“I think most of the top teams in Europe and also in England play in a 4-3-3,” Rangnick explained. “I think for him, it’s better than being pinned to a No.10 position because he can then make himself available in different areas of the pitch, not only in the centre.
“For me, he’s not a wing player, but I think in this position, he can find the spaces himself, he can sniff the moments in which areas we have to play the ball for him, and this position as an 8 is almost perfect for him.”
Fernandes has cut a frustrated figure for much of Rangnick’s early time in interim charge, with Gary Neville criticising him for his on-field demeanour.
It remains to be seen how Rangnick’s plan to move his position could influence ongoing contract negotiations between club and player, which the Athletic say have now been shelved.
According to the report, the midfielder’s representatives turned down an offer of an improved deal in late Autumn.
Fernandes believes he should be on parity with some of the clubs top earners, which included Cristiano Ronaldo, David De Gea and Paul Pogba.
United officials are said to be relaxed about the situation, knowing he is still tied to the club until 2025 and plan to restart talks at the end of the season when there is greater clarity about their position as a team moving forward.
