Manchester United’s season has been characterized by inconsistency, prompting discussions about the team’s internal dynamics. The Red Devils have faced a mix of disappointing results and notable victories, notably a 2-1 win against Liverpool, which has kept hopes alive under manager Ruben Amorim. With December marking a crucial period in English football, the pressure is mounting as United prepares for an important month, especially with the FA Cup third round approaching.
The team’s performance thus far has been erratic. After only managing two wins in their first six league matches, Manchester United experienced a brief revival with three consecutive victories, including the significant triumph over Liverpool. Yet, this was followed by a troubling three-match winless streak, which included a shocking 1-0 defeat at home to Everton, who played most of that match with just ten men. While a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace provided a boost, the inconsistency has led to speculation about the morale within the dressing room.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Portugal midfielder Pedro Mendes shared his thoughts on the situation. In a recent interview with BoyleSports, he stated, “Manchester United will get back into the Champions League, but they are difficult to understand. How can you go for three, four wins in a row, playing really well, and then lose at home against Everton? It’s just another setback.”
Mendes elaborated on the psychological impact of these fluctuating results, noting that they contribute to uncertainty within the squad. “When you think the confidence is building and everyone is getting up there and knows what it takes, and then they go away and win against Crystal Palace, which was a more difficult game than Everton at home. That uncertainty harms their confidence,” he added. Despite these challenges, Mendes believes United possesses the talent necessary to secure a top-five finish and return to the Champions League next season.
A focal point of the current situation is the role of United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes. Traditionally an attacking midfielder, Fernandes has been deployed in a more defensive role under Amorim’s tactical setup. This shift has seen him operate further from goal, affecting his scoring output. Since joining the club, Fernandes has netted 100 goals in 304 appearances. However, this season, he has only managed two league goals in 13 matches.
Mendes is convinced that Fernandes desires a return to a more advanced position on the pitch. He urged Amorim to adjust his tactics to better utilize the player’s skills. “When Ruben Amorim was at Sporting, he had players like Morten Hjulmand or Manuel Ugarte and Pedro Goncalves in the middle. You need someone holding and someone to take the ball and make the team play. At Manchester United, you have Casemiro and Ugarte; you need someone different, and Bruno can give that to the team,” Mendes explained.
He continued, “For sure Bruno would love to play more upfront to score more goals, but then you have good players upfront. You have Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Joshua Zirkzee, so Bruno can have more presence and more importance in the team at this stage playing that middle role.”
As Manchester United navigates this challenging period, the ability of Amorim to foster stability and confidence within the squad will be crucial. The upcoming fixtures in December could prove decisive, not only for the club’s standing in the Premier League but also for the overall morale of the team. The focus will be on achieving consistency and leveraging the talent available to secure a positive outcome as the season progresses.
