Ruben Amorim uses Arsenal to defend Bruno Fernandes decision after Man City loss

Bruno Fernandes struggled in Manchester United’s defeat at the Etihad Stadium (AFP via Getty)

Ruben Amorim hit back at criticism of Bruno Fernandes ’ midfield role after Manchester United ’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

United barely troubled City at the Etihad Stadium as a first-half header from Phil Foden and a double from Erling Haaland after the break sealed the win for Pep Guardiola’s side .

Fernandes, meanwhile, played in a midfield two alongside Manuel Ugarte for the majority of the game but struggled to make an impact at either end of the pitch.

The United captain has primarily played as an attacking role in a midfield trio since joining Old Trafford five years ago, but Amorim is adamant his playing system is not having a negative impact on the 31-year-old’s performance.

When asked if changing Fernandes’ position is compromising United’s team, Amorim pointed to his side’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last month as a positive example.

‘Guys, I understand how football is and the results will dictate all the narratives,’ Amorim said.

‘Against Arsenal , who is playing against Arsenal – do you think we played well, do you think we were the better team?

Ruben Amorim insists he will not change his system at Manchester United (PA Wire)

‘You think Odegaard, Rice, Zubimendi are three top midfielders? We played with two – one was Casemiro , the other was Bruno.

‘Sometimes it’s the dynamic of the team, sometimes it’s an opportunity that you score. I see it that way.

‘I know it’s really hard for people, and the fans don’t want to hear me saying these things. I know they are not going to listen and they will be upset, with that I cannot to anything.

‘I’m trying to be rational and I do not lie to myself, so I see the record, I understand the frustration of everybody, and I understand the decision that came with that.

‘But that conversation about the two midfielders, the pair, Kobbie Mainoo , I understand all these narratives but then when I look at certain games, we play with two, it’s the same thing.

Erling Haaland struck twice in Man City’s 3-0 victory (Reuters)

‘Today, when you imagine the game, why not use Amad, Bryan, Sesko, and Bruno behind with the ball? To be the first guy receiving the ball and then with a lot of pace in front.

‘I’m trying to do different things, trying to imagine the game and then when you don’t win, it doesn’t work, you take the critics, that’s it.’

In a separate interview with Sky Sports , Amorim once again reiterated his refusal to stray from the tactical system he has implemented since his arrival at United.

‘I accept, it is not a record you should have at Manchester United. There are a lot of things you have no idea what has happened.,’ Amorim said.

‘But I am not going to change my philosophy. I play my way and I am going to play my way.’