United boss Amorim refuses to give Fernandes more freedom in attacking role

RUBEN AMORIM has vowed to continue playing Bruno Fernandes in a midfield role - despite it not playing to the strengths of the Manchester United skipper.

- BY DAVID McDONNELL

Amorim has deployed Fernandes as a deeper lying midfielder, despite the 31-year-old playmaker having produced his best form for United in a more advanced and attacking role.

But Amorim's refusal to change his 3-4-3 system, allied to the summer arrivals of forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, means Fernandes has been forced into a role for which he is ill-suited.

Amorim will stick with Fernandes in the deeper role for tonight's visit of Chelsea to Old Trafford, claiming playing him there gives United more control of possession during games.

"Of course, Bruno wants all the freedom in the world," said Amorim. "But even when he plays in a No.10 role, he's getting the ball back.

"Maybe he's not having the same freedom to get inside the box, but he's getting there and he's near the box and he can do his shots.