Manchester United 0-0 Wolves: 5 things we learned from Bruno’s debut

3. McTominay can’t return soon enough

Bruno Fernandes was expected to lend bite and creativity to United’s midfield, and he did that to an extent. The 25-year-old produced 2 of United’s 5 shots on target, and could have easily scored from a deflected shot in the second half.

His distribution also kept the play moving forward, and he was tidy with possession.

But with Matic suspended, Fernandes had to take on the mantle of a deep-lying midfielder. He started off the match as a traditional number 10, but with Andreas Pereira struggling, soon dropped deeper to help Fred.

This took the sting out of United’s attack for the rest of the game. On the rare occasions that Fernandes ventured close to Wolves’ penalty box, he threatened with some neat linkup play.

Scott McTominay has been out since December, and United could use him badly right now. Matic is often woefully slow against pacy Premier League sides, and Fred isn’t physical enough to play the role of a sole pivot.

McTominay has excelled in doing the dirty work in midfield this season. He’s developed into one of the league’s best enforcers, and would allow Fernandes to operate closer to the opposition’s goal as he’s meant to.

Imagine a midfield of McTominay, Fernandes and Paul Pogba. It could be a reality soon.