Paul Merson names Manchester United player who has benefitted from Ralf Rangnick tactical change

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has praised Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick for altering Bruno Fernandes' role for the better amid his recent improved performances.

Following Rangnick's appointment as interim boss in November, United started playing with an unrecognisable 4-2-2-2 formation, featuring two central attacking midfielders playing, essentially, as tucked in wingers.

Fernandes struggled to adapt to the role and United soon started to suffer, with both his goals and assists beginning to significantly dry up.

However, Rangnick's decision to revert back to a more familiar 4-3-3 system has seen Fernandes, who has scored eight goals and grabbed 12 assists in all competitions this term, show signs of life again, with his goal against Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday evening taking his tally of direct goal contributions in his last six Premier League appearances to five.

With the Portuguese star benefitting from playing in the middle of the pitch again, albeit slightly deeper, Merson has hailed Rangnick for his tactical tweak.

"He's just got to get on the ball and make things happen for his team," Merson told Sportskeeda. "The more touches he gets, the better Manchester United play as a team.

"Personally, I like it when he plays a little deeper because he can pick a pass. But I also like where he is playing under Ralf Rangnick at the moment."

Although the Sky Sports pundit has praised Rangnick for his decision-making in regards to Fernandes, he has criticised the decision that has seen Jadon Sancho deployed on the left-flank in recent matches.

The England international was added to United's squad last summer to solve their long-term search for a right-winger, but he has enjoyed more