The Portuguese playmaker has mainly been used as an attacking midfielder since joining United, with Fernandes recognised as one of the most potent number 10s in the world.

But Fernandes has often been used from the right flank this term, either at the start of matches or as the match progresses to protect a lead.

After taking heavy criticism for his behaviour in a 7-0 defeat to Liverpool, Fernandes was named Man of the Match for his display in a 4-1 win against Real Betis.

Fernandes played alongside Casemiro in a deeper midfield role and he was selected in a central midfield position for the 0-0 draw against Southampton three days later.

And Ferdinand believes that Ten Hag is utilising Fernandes in different positions because he can trust the Portuguese, while there’s areas of the team that are less ‘stable’.

‘That’s what I love about Bruno [taking risks] for everything people say about him,’ Ferdinand told the FIVE YouTube channel.‘He could make four bad passes that go nowhere near the target, but the fifth is on the money and you get a goal or at least a chance from it. He needs those weapons in front of him.

‘If he’s got others running off the ball and he’s in that deeper-lying position than he was before, he’s a problem for anyone because he can put the ball on a sixpence.‘I think other moving parts in the team aren’t as stable so he’s having to move him around. Ten Hag knows he’s got the ability to perform in different areas.’

Fernandes could be rested for Thursday’s trip to Real Betis, given United have a 4-1 aggregate leading heading into the second leg of their last-16 Europa League tie.

Casemiro is suspended for the next four domestic matches so is likely to start in Spain, though he’s one yellow card away from missing the first leg of the quarter-finals.

Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay are all expected to come into the side.

Source: metro.co.uk