TIME FER CHANGE
Five ways Man Utd could line up to accommodate Bruno Fernandes as Solskjaer reveals how versatile £55m signing is
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has hinted at a change of formation to accommodate Manchester United's new £55million signing Bruno Fernandes.
United finally managed to seal a deal for the highly-rated Portuguese midfielder before the January transfer window shut.
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Fans couldn't wait to see him in action - especially after ringing endorsements from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho and Nani.
But the question is how will he fit into Solskjaer's United?
Solskjaer said: "Bruno can play with good players yes and Bruno is… he can do absolutely everything apart from… he’s my size, so he is probably not a target man in the box but he is such a good footballer.
"He can play with good players around him, he can play in a three man midfield, he can play as a 10 he can play in off the side, he can play in a diamond, we will give him his time to find his best position.
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"We want to try to build towards a team that will challenge for the title and trophies, so we want to keep our best players. We can play them [Pogba and Fernandes] together."
Solskjaer added: "We have got, first of all, a fantastic human being and a genuine lad who comes in, works hard, professional and hates losing.
"As a player he can do more or less everything on the pitch, he’s a midfielder, box-to-box, loads of energy, scores goals, assists."
Fernandes, 25, made his debut against Wolves playing in a slightly deeper position with licence to roam.
And SunSport have taken a look at five possible line-ups Solskjaer could use with Fernandes in his ranks and a fully-fit squad to choose from.
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OPTION 1
In our first possible XI, Fernandes could be deployed in a largely attacking line-up.
Solskjaer has come in for criticism on more than one occasion for his tactical nous, but even he might not be brave enough to go for this one with Fernandes deployed on the right of a midfield three.
But with Pogba and the Portuguese star behind a front three, Scott McTominay would certainly have his work cut out protecting the back four.
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OPTIONS 2 & 3
These options seems far more likely with Fernandes deployed in a three-man attack supporting the main striker.
His goalscoring exploits last season would suggest this role is perfect for him.
And with two men like Fred and McTominay behind them, the front four would have plenty of licence to attack.
That would make options two and three very likely to be tested out by Solskjaer.
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OPTIONS 4
Another attacking line-up that would see Fernandes figure prominently.
But on the right of a midfield three, his goalscoring threat could be limited.
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OPTIONS 5
Another potential option for Solskjaer with this position behind the strikers seemingly the perfect place for Fernandes.
The United boss does favour a front three, but if he can get the Sporting man in, then he will have plenty of room to tinker around in attack.
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