Manchester United paid the price for Bruno Fernandes mistake

Over the past nine days, we have seen the best and worst of Manchester United. We have also seen the best and worst of Bruno Fernandes too.

Both he and United were at their lowest during their Anfield annihilation, but much better in their midweek win over Real Betis. Sunday's draw with Southampton was a day in which both underperformed yet showed slight shimmers of promise within their resilience.

What has been apparent this season is that the form of Fernandes has largely reflected that of the team, with United's heaviest defeats coming in matches when he has himself been off the boil and impressive wins coming when he has played a key role.

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Even on an off-day, he still plays an integral role for the team, and against Southampton, he remained a key creative outlet despite his overall poor performance.

The Portuguese remained a regular threat whenever he got on the ball, though he struggled to influence the game as much as usual from his deeper midfield role.

He made two key passes, created two big chances, and demonstrated the ugly side of the game with nine ball recoveries and three successful ground duels.

United's switch to a more attacking midfield set-up rarely made them a more threatening side, and although they always looked dangerous with an extra forward player to utilise, they suffered from a lack of cohesion and an overall idea about how to play.

Ten Hag's pursuit of fluidity backfired, as players drifted out of position, overcrowded the same areas of the pitch, and struggled with the lack of clearly defined roles.

It was perhaps no clearer than with Fernandes who naturally looked to play with the same freedom he relishes as an attacking midfielder,