Ruben Amorim explains decision to sub out Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United's loss to Nottingham Forest

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim explained his decision to take off Bruno Fernandes in the side's 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, December 7. Amorim said that the 30-year-old was down on energy.

The Portuguese tactician also stated that he wanted to try using Mason Mount in a similar position to the United captain. Amorim said (via Sky Sports):

"Bruno [Fernandes] was too tired and I wanted [Mason] Mount to play that position of second midfielder who opens a bit on the left."

Fernandes started as one of the two attacking midfielders in Amorim's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation alongside Alejandro Garnacho.

After Manchester United went 3-1 down early in the second half, he pulled one back for the hosts in the 61st minute after being set up by Amad Diallo. He had a decent game overall, but fans expressed surprise at seeing their main creative threat being taken off.

Fernandes has been a workhorse for United this season, already collecting over 1800 minutes of action in 22 appearances across all competitions. With Manchester United set to play in the Europa League on Thursday, it is possible Amorim had that clash in mind while making the decision to take him off.

Ruben Amorim reacts as Manchester United lose to Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest's splendid display subdued the Red Devils.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim suggested that the side had to improve a lot following their 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest. Speaking after the game, he told the BBC (via The Guardian):

"It was a tough game. We started really bad, the first play we suffered a goal and then it’s hard to try to fight. We then controlled the game and had a lot of situations."

“We improved the movement in the last third. We managed to draw the game and then at half-time we were ready to go for the win and then started really bad. Two goals. Then we tried a lot of things with not a lot of quality. We didn’t have many situations to score. Tough game in a tough moment but we have to continue the job. This is a long journey. We are improving in some aspects. We have to win games to help us improve the team.”

Nikola Milenkovic (2') and Rasmus Hojlund (18') got on the scoresheet as the two sides headed to the break on equal footing. However, two quick goals from Morgan Gibbs-White (47') and Chris Wood (54') meant the hosts could not recover, despite Fernandes pulling one back (61').

The defeat keeps Manchester United in the bottom half of the Premier League table. Having accrued just 19 points from 15 games, Amorim will be hoping for a quick turnaround to salvage the season for the Red Devils.

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