Manchester United supporters are increasingly debating whether the club’s biggest problem is not Bruno Fernandes himself, but the extraordinary importance he has been given within the team.

For years, the Portuguese midfielder has been one of United’s most influential players, carrying much of the responsibility for creating chances, dictating attacking play and producing decisive moments when the team struggles to find solutions.

However, there is a growing argument that United must learn to function without depending on their captain for almost everything in attack.

The Idea is not necessarily to sell Fernandes or force him out of Old Trafford, but to reduce the extent to which the team’s entire attacking structure revolves around him.

When one player becomes the primary source of creativity, leadership and attacking inspiration, the team risks becoming predictable, particularly when opponents focus on limiting his influence.

United have repeatedly faced questions about their ability to create consistently when Fernandes is tightly marked or unable to find the right passes, raising concerns about whether enough responsibility has been shared among the other attacking players.

A club with United’s ambitions should not have to rely on one midfielder to rescue its attacking performance every time the team encounters difficulties.

Instead, players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and the other attacking options must be encouraged to take greater responsibility for creating opportunities and making decisive contributions.

That would not diminish Fernandes’ importance; it would make the team less vulnerable whenever he has a quiet game.

There is also a difficult question about accountability.

Because Fernandes has delivered so much for United, his influence and reputation can make it tempting for the team to continue building around him, even when a different tactical approach might benefit the collective.

But past contributions should not automatically guarantee that one player remains the centre of every attacking decision.

Fernandes must still be judged on his current performances, his decision-making and how effectively he helps the team achieve its objectives.

At the same time, claims that he has become too comfortable should be treated cautiously, because a heavy tactical responsibility does not necessarily mean a player lacks motivation or is unwilling to improve.

The more convincing argument is that United need a system in which responsibility is distributed more evenly, with several players capable of controlling matches and creating chances.

That would also help protect Fernandes from the enormous burden placed on him, allowing him to concentrate on the situations where his vision, passing and attacking instincts are most valuable.

Ultimately, United do not have to choose between keeping their captain and building a stronger team around him.

They need to stop treating him as the solution to every problem and start creating an attack that can function independently of his best performances.

If the club can achieve that balance, Fernandes could remain a key figure at Old Trafford without his influence becoming a limitation on the team’s development.

Sources to support the article:

[Sky Sports — Bruno Fernandes: What has happened to his form, and should Carrick drop him?](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/13599170/bruno-fernandes-what-has-happened-to-the-form-of-man-utds-best-player-and-should-michael-carrick-drop-him?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — recent analysis of Fernandes’ dip in form and how heavily United depend on him.