“Now that Bruno has gotten himself banned for a few matches, this is a chance for Erik Ten Hag to give another player his role. And his replacement is already in the starting lineup . The most important thing now is the way ETH uses him” – According to Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United already have the ideal replacement for Bruno Fernandes within their starting lineup, and it’s time to utilize him properly.

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are heading into a critical phase of the season, where every game counts, and they will be without their captain.

Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham added to the team’s struggles, contributing to their 3-0 loss.

This leaves Manchester United with only three wins from nine games this season, and Fernandes’ suspension means they will be without their key player for the next three league matches.

With two of those being away games, including one at Aston Villa’s challenging ground, Ten Hag will be anxious about his job security.

However, all hope is not lost, as the squad already includes the best alternative to Fernandes within the current starting XI.

**Ideal Replacement for Bruno Fernandes**

Bruno Fernandes has built his reputation at Old Trafford through his dynamic attacking creativity and fearless passing style.

This approach has resulted in numerous world-class chances and assists, establishing him as United’s most pivotal player.

However, if the team is to progress to the next level, as recent weeks have shown, certain adjustments are necessary.

To bring more control to the chaos, Fernandes’ approach is nearly the opposite of what the team needs, and his frustration was evident on his face before his red card against Tottenham.

The player who embodies the qualities that this current United side requires is Joshua Zirkzee, but he has been left isolated at the top, squandering opportunities instead.

When United signed Zirkzee, they were aware that he was a reluctant striker—essentially a No. 9 in name only—whose skill set is better suited for a deeper role.

Thus far, he has been dropping back to link up play, which leaves United short-handed in the box, forcing Fernandes to make late runs.

By positioning Zirkzee in the hole behind the striker and pairing him with a natural forward like Rasmus Hojlund, United could reinvigorate their attack.

**A Promising Partnership**

United doesn’t necessarily need to view this as playing two strikers and sacrificing a winger. Instead, they could place Zirkzee in Fernandes’ No. 10 role and allow the rest of the team to function seamlessly.

This would also provide United with two aerial threats if they decide to bypass the opposition’s press, a tactic that could have been especially beneficial against Tottenham.

While Zirkzee is tall, he isn’t particularly effective in the air, but height alone can instill fear in defenders, much like pace does.

Playing from deep and scoring shadow striker goals aligns better with Zirkzee’s strengths than battling physical Premier League defenders for 90 minutes.

That task is more suited to Hojlund, who thrives on the traditional striker duties of contesting with defenders and netting scrappy goals.

Their skill sets complement each other perfectly, and Zirkzee’s contrasting style with Fernandes is precisely what this team needs right now.

It’s time to utilize him effectively.