DEEPER AND DOWN

Sticking to the status quo of having Fernandes further back is proving costly for Amorim

- BY DAVID MCDONNELL

HOW do you solve a problem like Bruno Fernandes? If you're Ruben Amorim, you continue to play him in midfield and bury your head in the sand.

The notion of Fernandes - captain and unquestionably Manchester United's most accomplished and inspirational player — being a problem is, on the face of it, an absurd one.

Last season Fernandes saved United from the ignominy of a relegation battle, eight goals and 11 assists in the Premier League making him the standout player in Amorims woeful squad.

This season, albeit only six games into the league campaign, Fernandes has two goals - one from the penalty spot - and no assists, worrying stats for a player who thrives on being central to everything United do in a creative and attacking sense.