Controversial decision might be a blessing in disguise for Manchester United

Change is the hot topic of conversation surrounding Manchester United this week. But while Erik ten Hag is set to remain in charge for the matches against FC Porto and Aston Villa, he is certain to make changes to his side this weekend.

United are yet to offer clarity on Kobbie Mainoo's injury situation following his weekend withdrawal against Tottenham, though no further clarity is needed on Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese playmaker will serve a three-match ban following his controversial red card on Sunday afternoon, yet it could be a blessing in disguise for a dysfunctional United side who have refused to drop their underperforming captain.

Fernandes is always likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet due to his seniority as much as his availability. The 30-year-old seldom misses matches and has been one of only a handful of players Ten Hag feels like he can trust every single week.

But at a time when the manager has been preaching about squad rotation and resting players, there has been a sense of hypocrisy to persist with Fernandes when his performance levels have continuously been below the standards expected of him.

Fernandes has looked lost at times this season, perhaps an indication of the gradual fatigue that has built up after such an extensive run of matches for both club and country. A spell on the sidelines could do him the world of good, though he is still expected to start against Porto in midweek.

He will have a point to prove if he does start in his homeland on Thursday night, though the elephant in the room is not over fatigue, but the harsh reality he might not be the right fit for the style of play Ten Hag is looking to implement.

Fernandes has shone while playing in a chaotic side, who don't keep the ball well, and who thrive upon the frantic flux in midfield, with quick transitions from back to front. As they have looked to transition into a side who cherish the ball and methodically breakdown opponents, he has sometimes looked awkward, with Fernandes keen to take risks at a time when they are trying to become risk adverse.

From the start of the season, there has been an argument United would be more effective if they had Mason Mount or Joshua Zirkzee operating in the No.10 role their captain usually occupies, while the pair could also function well as part of the 4-2-2-2 formation that offered encouragement in the early stages of the campaign.

Now Ten Hag has no choice but to play without his club captain for the next three league matches and an opportunity to trial the system that many supporters have been crying out for the past few outings.

If things don't get any better, there will be a new respect for Fernandes upon his return. If they do improve, it is hardly a problem either.