Bruno Fernandes is the perfect captain.
Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Manchester United, is sure that Bruno Fernandes will help him when he needs it, but he wishes his captain would “trust” his teammates more. The Portuguese manager spoke after his countryman’s hat-trick in United’s 4-1 Europa League victory over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. Fernandes is the kind of player who gets equally as much praise and criticism.
Following a terrible 7-0 thumping at Liverpool in March 2023, former United captain Gary Neville criticized his captaincy. Roy Keane, another legendary club figure and captain, recently criticized Fernandes’ performances in a characteristically direct manner. He mocked those who claimed the current brutal campaign would be even worse without him by asking, “How much worse could it be?”
United is currently in 14th place and on track to have its worst league season since its 1973–74 relegation. However, with 15 goals, Fernandes is unquestionably the top scorer. Not a single one of his teammates has achieved double figures.
Fernandes scored in this game for the twelfth time this season. His goals turned losses into draws and victories, making his contribution crucial in eight games.
Bruno Fernandes’ impact at Manchester United.
“He is always there when we need him,” Amorim remarked. “He can advance the ball. He can score goals.
“He is our team’s ideal captain, and we must support him in winning championships.”
Fernandes has scored his team’s goal in their respectable draw with Arsenal, their equalizer in an FA Cup match against Fulham that they lost on penalties, and the incredible free kick that pulled United back into a match against Everton that they appeared destined to lose in the last month alone.
After falling behind against Sociedad, Fernandes’ most recent intervention saved his team, who knew that only a win would maintain their chances of taking home a trophy this season and earning a spot in Europe the following year.
On TNT Sports, Paul Scholes, a former United midfielder, stated that “he’s been brilliant over the last six to seven weeks.” “Instead of playing that 10 role, he’s playing a little deeper these days.
“He’s helping this team achieve some success.”
Another thing about Fernandes is that he rarely gets hurt. Diogo Dalot, a fellow Portuguese, is the only United outfield player with more than 43 appearances this season. But according to Amorim, Fernandes has a weakness.
All too frequently, he abandons his position in an attempt to gain possession, ruining United’s team shape. According to Amorim, the solution must originate internally.
He stated, “We know that sometimes he is frustrated.” “We know how much he wants to win and how he switches positions and chases the ball when things are not going his way.
“He needs to trust his teammates sometimes.”
