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Six Bruno Fernandes replacements for Man Utd to select during three-game suspension
Manchester United will be dealing with the repercussions of the defeat to Tottenham for a little while.
Some Manchester United fans were calling for Bruno Fernandes to be dropped ahead of the Tottenham game, even if there was doubt Erik ten Hag would actually do it.
In hindsight, selecting Fernandes did more harm than good. The midfielder received a first-half red card and must now serve a three-match suspension.
He will miss the next three Premier League games, giving the Manchester United coaching staff a dilemma of how he will be replaced.
With United now set to see a little taste of life without Fernandes, here is a look at six options for the Red Devils to replace him with…
Christian Eriksen
Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen is arguably the most natural replacement for Bruno Fernandes, with years of experience playing in the same role.
Eriksen has featured as a more withdrawn midfield option lately, yet at international level he plays further forward still.
Erik ten Hag has shown over the past month he still has faith in Eriksen, picking him to start four matches, and there is a good chance he steps up in Fernandes’ place.
Mason Mount
Fernandes’ suspension could be the opportunity Mason Mount has been crying out for at Manchester United.
The former Chelsea star has struggled to show his quality during his time at the club, with injuries coupled up with lack of starting opportunity.
Mount could end up preferred to Eriksen, and if an opportunity comes his way he must seize it. This could be a game-changer for him.
Joshua Zirkzee
One change Manchester United fans would like to see is to trial Joshua Zirkzee in a more withdrawn role, in support of Rasmus Hojlund.
The pair have not yet shared the pitch together, while Zirkzee is not the penalty box striker Manchester United need, with just one goal to his name so far.
Moving Zirkzee further back into a role supporting a centre-forward could be the best way to get the most out of the pair of them.
Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo has played this role before on loan at Sunderland and thrived in a central position. Erik ten Hag should give it some consideration.
United have struggled to get Amad, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the pitch at once, along with a central striker, and this could be the perfect way to do it.
Simply getting Amad on the pitch is important, and giving him a more expansive role could end up with a winning combination.
Kobbie Mainoo
2024/25 has been a tough season for Kobbie Mainoo after the hectic efforts of his breakthrough campaign plus Euro 2024.
Giving him the opportunity to play in a more advanced role could change things up for the promising youngster, and allow him to have a greater impact in the final third.
Mainoo, 19, has shown the ability to score goals when he gets around the penalty box, and Manchester United could experiment by giving the teenage wonderkid an opportunity.
A wildcard option would be for Erik ten Hag to turn to Manchester United’s academy and hand a debut to another promising talent.
Jack Fletcher, 17, is a standout option at under-21 level, while James Scanlon, 18, showed he is too good for under-18s football by scoring four goals in one match at under-18s level at the weekend.
Both players went on pre-season tour, with Scanlon even scoring at full international level for Gibraltar.
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