Fernandes hints at his frustration with spoiling role

ON the face of it, Bruno Fernandes could hardly have been more positive when asked about playing in midfield for Manchester United.

- By DAVID MCDONNELL

"I love playing football, whatever the position," said Fernandes, ahead of Portugal's 1-0 World Cup qualifier win over Republic of Ireland. “They can put me at fullback, winger, goalkeeper. I'll always give my best.”

But it was the followup remark from Fernandes that was most telling, suggesting the 31-year-old playmaker was far from happy at playing in a deeper-lying role on the insistence of boss Ruben Amorim."Everyone has their preferences,” said United captain Fernandes. “But we have to adapt to the coach's ideas.”

The clear inference from that comment is that Fernandes would rather play in a more advanced role, where he has been most effective for United and can provide a greater attacking threat and influence.