Manchester United face an important test against Leeds United in a game that could be won or lost in midfield.
With all focus on the need for a defensive midfielder, it's meant that other positions have been forgotten about and one area that seems to have escaped the minds of many is in the creative midfield department.
Bruno Fernandes' capacity for chance creation will make him United's most important player in the match, but will he be able to hit the heights?
Portugal international Fernandes scored in United's previous match against Brighton and has been influential ever since he signed in January 2020.
Rated at £81m by Transfermarkt, Fernandes has been criticised by sections of the Old Trafford faithful this season because he hasn't produced numbers at his 2020/21 levels. Still, he has eight goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
The reason why Fernandes will be key is Leeds' style of play under Marcelo Bielsa is very offensive. As we've seen already this season, when you set up and play through the press, they can be cut open.
In the reverse fixture, which was the opening game of the campaign, Fernandes scored a hat-trick as United came out as 5-1 winners and, if that can be replicated, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a similar scoreline.
The 27-year-old Fernandes has actually been United's most creative player and is leading the tally for chances created in the Premier League this season. He's crafted 71 opportunities, ahead of the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kevin De Bruyne.
Everyone knows he's one of United's most important players, but what hasn't been noticed is the problem Rangnick has if his talisman gets injured.
While Fernandes has a great injury record, anything can happen in football and if he did pick up a knock, then Rangnick doesn't have much depth to cover his absence in the team.
Below Fernandes are the likes of Jesse Lingard and Hannibal Mejbri.
Lingard hasn't had an opportunity to shine in a red shirt this season, so how can anyone expect him to replicate the same amount of creativity as Fernandes offers?
While most United supporters are excited about what Mejbri can offer, it's wrong to put a youngster in a position of so much responsibility. While it's great for him to get game time, he needs to be surrounded by experienced players to ensure he's comfortable in the team.
The lack of depth behind Fernandes means Rangnick may be forced to overplay his most influential player, which is a problem that haunted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Due to the lack of creative options last season, Solskjaer was forced to play Fernandes for the majority of fixtures (58 out of 61 games) and consequently, he tired towards the end.
It's a problem for Rangnick that he somehow has to solve.
Could Fernandes be the key against Leeds? Follow our United On My Mind writer Omar Garrick on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.
