Bruno Fernandes continues to underline his influence at Manchester United, leading the Premier League in chances created (14) so far in the 2025/26 season. The focus keyphrase — Bruno Fernandes No 10 — is at the heart of a debate sparked by Paul Scholes, who has declared in a Sky Sports interview that the Portuguese midfielder should only be deployed in his natural attacking role.
Scholes, now launching his new podcast The Good, The Bad and The Football, spoke candidly about Fernandes’ positioning under manager Rúben Amorim. While Fernandes has been asked to adapt deeper at times, Scholes believes this dilutes his creative impact. “He is the most creative player on the team, he should be playing as the No 10, there is no doubt about that,” the United legend stressed.
The argument is not just sentimental. Fernandes’ numbers back it up: his 14 chances created put him ahead of Anton Stach (11) and Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and James Ward-Prowse (all 10). With United struggling for attacking rhythm early in the campaign, Scholes’ comments may resonate with fans calling for Amorim to build the system around his captain’s strengths.
But is Amorim too focused on balance rather than brilliance? For Scholes, the equation is simple: give Fernandes freedom, and United will create and score more goals.
Paul Scholes: Bruno Fernandes must play as No 10
Scholes spoke from personal experience, comparing Fernandes’ situation to his own shifts between roles during his career.
“As a No 10, the last thing you want to think about is defending. Once you go back into a two in midfield, all of a sudden you are thinking about defence, about what your runner is doing. It’s a totally different mindset.” — Paul Scholes to Sky Sports
The former England international recalled how his happiest years were playing behind the striker, focusing on creativity and goals rather than defensive responsibilities. For him, Fernandes’ best work comes from orchestrating attacks in the final third, not plugging gaps deeper in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes 2025/26 creative stats snapshot
| Stat (2025/26) | Bruno Fernandes |
|---|---|
| Premier League Appearances | 4 |
| Chances Created | 14 |
| Ranking | 1st in Premier League |
| Assists | 0 |
| Goals | 1 |
source: Sky Sports & sofascore data – 15 September 2025
Fernandes’ numbers prove Scholes’ point. With 14 chances created already, he leads the league comfortably. While the goals and assists column may yet fill out, his ability to craft opportunities remains unmatched. Playing him deeper risks blunting United’s edge in attack.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William argues that Amorim faces a tactical dilemma:
“Rúben Amorim wants balance and defensive stability, but asking Bruno Fernandes to play deeper wastes his creative instincts. Scholes is right — Fernandes must be the hub, the No 10. United’s lack of cutting edge in big games this season suggests they cannot afford to shackle their most productive player.”
He adds that Amorim’s system could still work if a more reliable holding midfielder is introduced. “Pairing Fernandes with two disciplined midfielders behind him may unlock his best role while keeping United stable. But as things stand, moving him back is compromising results.”
Key insights
- Fernandes leads the Premier League in chances created with 14.
- Scholes insists he must play as United’s No 10, not deeper.
- United fans have echoed frustrations with Amorim’s tactical setup.
- Early results have been mixed, with attacking efficiency under scrutiny.
- Fernandes remains United’s creative heartbeat.
What’s next for Manchester United
United return to Premier League action this weekend against Chelsea. For Fernandes, the spotlight will remain on whether Amorim plays him as a true No 10. With new striker Benjamin Šeško still adapting, his service could be the difference between another disappointing campaign and a genuine push for silverware.
Scholes admitted he is “more hopeful than confident” that Amorim will turn things around quickly, but his message is clear: United cannot afford to misuse their most creative player any longer.
👉 Should Rúben Amorim build Manchester United’s attack entirely around Bruno Fernandes as a No 10?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 15 Sep 2025 18:38
Obviously! But with Amorim it's not going to happen, ive never seen a stubborn manager as this before! Mourinho changed (I know he's past his time) Pep changed, Klopp did, Arteta, managers change systems or adjust when they need to.
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