Who helps MU execute corner kicks as effectively as Arsenal?

10/11/2025 07:22:00 GameGladiator

Once again, Manchester United (MU) scored from a corner, this time with De Ligt’s header against Tottenham in stoppage time. Behind MU’s corner goals stands a special individual.

According to Manchester Evening News, MU’s set-piece expert, Carlos Fernandes, often positioned himself near the technical area during the first half of the game against Tottenham.

Carlos Fernandes frequently instructed MU’s defenders and showed satisfaction with De Ligt after a clearance. At the end of the match, De Ligt scored a header to help MU equalize at 2-2.

From slow-motion footage of De Ligt’s goal, several other MU players performed quiet but important roles contributing to the goal. Luke Shaw blocked Bentancur and Udogie to give De Ligt space to head the ball, while Lammens and Yoro were present in the penalty area causing disorder in Tottenham’s defense. Prior to that, Mason Mount approached goalkeeper Vicario to prevent him from rushing out to intercept the aerial ball.

This is likely a familiar sight to Premier League fans recently, as English clubs have sparked a trend of scoring from set-pieces, notably Arsenal, who currently top the league standings.

It is no surprise that the "director" behind MU’s scoring situation is Carlos Fernandes. In March, Manchester Evening News reported that whenever MU had attacking or defending set-piece situations, Carlos Fernandes would swap places with Amorim and stand in the technical area to ensure the team’s formation was correct and players understood their roles.

Coach Amorim assigned Carlos Fernandes (left) to be in charge of set-piece situations.

Carlos Fernandes (30 years old) has worked alongside Amorim from Casa Pia, Braga B, Braga, to Sporting Lisbon. Although he did not have a notable playing career, Fernandes has developed good synergy working with Amorim. He is the mastermind behind many of MU’s goals from set-pieces or corners. Naturally, when MU concedes from set-pieces, Fernandes also faces criticism and pressure.

MU is also reported to have practiced long throw-ins under Carlos Fernandes’ guidance, but to fully utilize this tactic, they need a player capable of throwing the ball deep into the penalty area.

One day before the match against Tottenham, Coach Amorim praised Carlos Fernandes on MUTV for the corner goals: "The coaching staff, including Carlos Fernandes, understand the players very well. Especially, the players are conscious of set-piece and corner situations. They focus on every detail of the game and comprehend how we play, something that can be changed with just one corner kick." MU has scored six goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season.

Coach Amorim highlighted the importance of assistants and set-piece specialists in the coaching team: "Tactics sometimes rely on corners and crosses. So credit must also be given to Carlos and Emanuel Ferro, all the analysts, and Kaita Hasegawa, who do a great job understanding the opponent’s strategies."

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