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Why Giggs and Neville are wrong over Bruno Fernandes

It is still only early days but Manchester United know they have a serious talent on their hands in the shape of Bruno Fernandes.


After such an abject start to the season in which United regularly failed to break sides down, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knew it was essential his side addressed the issue in the January transfer window.


United needed a creator, someone who could forge chances out of nothing and give them the inspiration which had so evidently been absent since Michael Carrick retired two years ago.

Club officials spoke of the immediate lift which Fernandes brought to the squad after only his first training session at Carrington, while his exciting debut vs Wolves showcased his abilities in both an attacking and a deeper midfield role.


After that debut Fernandes was warned by many, including club legends Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, that he must not become a 'liability', find his best position and stick to it. That isn't necessarily the case.

Of course there are benefits with playing in the same fixed role each and every week, but the beauty of Fernandes is that he doesn't have to stick to just one position in order to have a huge impact on Solskjaer's side for years to come.


Speaking earlier this week Fernandes revealed he is studying Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta as he looks to finesse his own game, but he is already showing both the leadership and versatility which his idol perfected throughout his career.

“The one I liked to watch and follow was Iniesta, because Iniesta is a mix between an eight and a 10. It is a way I can do better, between eight and 10,” Fernandes told the official club website.


“It is the guy who always likes to have the ball, take the risks, and I think Iniesta was one of the best in the world."

The 26-year-old knows steady improvement is still needed if he is to deliver upon such early promise at Old Trafford but the concerns over his best position are not really a pressing issue.


In games against the smaller sides Fernandes has shone while having the attacking freedom to go forward and pepper shots at goal from the edge of the box, while his disciplined displays against both Chelsea and Man City saw him grab sensational set-piece assists and utilise a different set of skills to disrupt play.


After completing his long awaited move in the January transfer window, Solskjaer insisted Fernandes would be 'given the time to find his best position', but like Iniesta he can prove to be a threat anywhere across the midfield.


Having only made one appearance for United at the time Fernandes' former Sporting manager Carlos Carvalhal boldly warned United 'he is not a No.10' and must be used deeper if he is to be a success at the club. His Premier League player of the month award would beg to differ.


The Portuguese's short-time in English football has already seen him excel in two different midfield positions while it is testament to his own skill set that he, like Iniesta, finds so much space regardless of the opposition.


Fernandes will need longevity and trophies if he is to even have half the career of his Barcelona hero, but if he maintains current momentum then his idol will certainly be proud.

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