United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed that he considers Fernandes’ best position to be as a No.8, rather than the No.10 he has played as since arriving at the club
Ralf Rangnick has already displayed his tactical flexibility. He has shown he is willing to ditch the 4-2-2-2 formation he dreamt of utilizing at United.
While results have been impressive, performances had left a lot to be desired. United lined up in the German’s shape for the final time during the dismal home defeat to Wolves at the start of January, before finally accepting defeat.
“We have now decided to play a 4-3-3 like we did against Aston Villa, with one holding six, two eights and three offensive players,” Rangnick explained on the eve of the trip to Brentford.
And he stuck to his word, with the switch continuing to reap benefits, earning them a 3-1 victory over the Bees.
But not only has the alteration improved the team overall, it has had a transformative impact on the form of Fernandes.
Left out of the starting line-up for that loss vs Wolves, Fernandes had endured a difficult start to life under the new boss.
Unable to thrive as one of the two players behind the strikers, it was difficult to envision where he would fit into Rangnick’s side.
However, with two goals and two assists in his last couple of Premier League games, he looks close to his best. As such, the interim manager has now revealed he believes Fernandes’ best position is actually as a more traditional midfield player.
“I think most of the top teams in Europe and also in England play in a 4-3-3,” Rangnick explained. “I think for him, it’s better than being pinned to a No.10 position. He can then make himself available in different areas of the pitch, not only in the centre”.
“For me, he’s not a wing player. But I think in this position, he can find the spaces himself, he can sniff the moments in which areas we have to play the ball for him, and this position as an 8 is almost perfect for him.”
That marks a huge change from the near two years he spent under Rangnick’s predecessor Solskjaer.