A Crisis in Attack
Manchester United’s attacking struggles have become one of the central themes of their turbulent season under Rúben Amorim. Despite significant summer investment in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, goals have been scarce, chemistry has looked off, and the system has failed to get the best out of the team’s most consistent performer: Bruno Fernandes.
While fans and pundits have debated Amorim’s tactical approach, one voice stood out this week. Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, speaking on TNT Sports, offered an alternative setup — one that not only protects Bruno’s creative role but also suggests a surprising solution up front.
Hargreaves’ Proposal
Hargreaves’ key points can be summed up in three tactical ideas:
- Bruno Fernandes must play in his natural No. 10 role.
- Bryan Mbeumo should be tried as a central striker (No. 9).
- Amad Diallo could adapt to a wing-back role if the current formation remains.
On Bruno, Hargreaves was clear:
“I’d love to see Bruno play as a 10, maybe with Mbeumo as a No. 9. If you have Cunha and Bruno playing as two 10s plus Mbeumo, that’s good.”
And while some might raise eyebrows at Amad in a defensive role, Hargreaves explained the logic:
“Maybe play Amad as a wing-back on the left if you want to stay with the formation. I just think it’s harsh on Bruno, him being criticised. I can’t imagine where they’d be without him.”
Why Bruno Fernandes Shouldn’t Play Deep
One of the biggest issues this season has been Amorim’s decision to deploy Bruno Fernandes deeper in midfield. The intention was likely to give United more control, but the consequence has been stripping Bruno of his greatest weapon: his ability to create chances in the final third.
Bruno thrives when he operates between the lines, where he can receive the ball facing goal and dictate play with incisive passes. His long-range shooting, late runs into the box, and vision are significantly reduced when he’s tasked with operating as a box-to-box midfielder.
Hargreaves summed it up with a blunt analogy: playing Bruno deeper is like asking Erling Haaland to play on the wing. You’re taking a world-class asset and misusing it.
If Amorim wants goals and creativity, Fernandes must be restored to the No. 10 role where he has consistently delivered since arriving at Old Trafford.
Mbeumo as a No. 9: An Unconventional but Logical Fit
Hargreaves’ suggestion that Bryan Mbeumo should be trialed as a striker is unconventional — but it has merit.
Mbeumo has spent most of his career playing off the right or as part of a front two. His pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing on his left foot make him dangerous in attacking transitions. But crucially, he has also shown he can carry the responsibility of scoring goals.
At Brentford, Mbeumo stepped up impressively during Ivan Toney’s absence, registering double figures in goals and proving he could be the focal point of an attack. He may not be the traditional target man, but in modern football, strikers come in different shapes and sizes.
For United, who have struggled to find a reliable No. 9 since Robin van Persie’s departure, Mbeumo could provide a solution — at least in the short term. His work rate and pressing ability would also fit the Premier League’s physical demands.
Cunha’s Role as a Secondary Creator
If Mbeumo plays centrally, what happens to Matheus Cunha? Hargreaves’ vision sees him slotting in as one of two creators behind the striker, alongside Bruno.
Cunha is not an out-and-out striker; he’s a facilitator, someone who thrives on linking play, carrying the ball, and creating for others. His skillset complements Bruno’s, but the pair need a genuine forward ahead of them to turn possession into goals.
By positioning Cunha as a second No. 10, Amorim could maximize his creative instincts while reducing the burden on him to be the primary goal threat.
The Amad Dilemma
Perhaps the most surprising part of Hargreaves’ comments was his suggestion that Amad Diallo could play as a wing-back on the left. At first glance, it feels unnatural — Amad is a winger by trade, known for his dribbling and creativity in wide areas.
But football is full of examples of wingers successfully transitioning into wing-backs: Antonio Valencia, Victor Moses, and even Ashley Young at United all adapted to defensive roles later in their careers.
Amad has the energy, technical ability, and intelligence to potentially succeed in such a role. Of course, it would require adjustment and defensive discipline, but if Amorim insists on sticking with a system that requires wing-backs, Amad could be a creative solution rather than being left out altogether.
Why the Criticism of Bruno is Misplaced
A recurring theme in Hargreaves’ comments was his defense of Bruno Fernandes. The captain has faced criticism for missed penalties, questionable decision-making, and occasionally volatile body language.
But Hargreaves argued that without Bruno, United would be in an even darker place:
“I can’t imagine where they’d be without him. What he’s been able to produce in terms of consistency for them, that’s what you need from everybody.”
It’s a fair point. Despite United’s struggles, Bruno continues to rank among the Premier League’s top chance creators. His leadership may not always be traditional, but his influence on the pitch is undeniable. Rather than scapegoating him, Amorim must build around him.
Amorim’s Tactical Dilemma
Rúben Amorim’s preferred system has always been based around a back three, with wing-backs providing width and two playmakers supporting the attack. The problem at United is that this has pushed Bruno out of position, limited Cunha’s impact, and left the team without a natural goalscorer up front.
Hargreaves’ comments highlight a key truth: Amorim has the talent, but he isn’t deploying it correctly. If he insists on keeping the current structure, then unconventional solutions like Mbeumo as a striker and Amad as a wing-back may be required.
Alternatively, he could pivot to a 4-2-3-1 — a system that would allow Bruno to play as a No. 10, Mbeumo or Cunha on the flanks, and a proper striker leading the line. The issue, of course, is that United don’t yet have that striker.
Conclusion: Back to Basics
Owen Hargreaves may not have provided a flawless tactical blueprint, but his message is clear: United need to get the basics right.
- Play Bruno Fernandes in his natural role.
- Experiment with Mbeumo as a striker if the squad lacks a true No. 9.
- Use Cunha as a secondary creator, not a forced goalscorer.
- Find a role for Amad that keeps him on the pitch.
Above all, Hargreaves reminded fans that Bruno remains United’s most important player. Rather than criticizing him, the club should focus on building a system that plays to his strengths.
