‘I am the coach’: Amorim defends £45m Man Utd phenomenal star after surprise fresh criticism | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed his support for captain Bruno Fernandes.

Club legend Roy Keane took aim at Fernandes during The Overlap podcast, sparking a heated debate among fans.

His scathing remarks angered many United supporters, who believe the Portuguese international has been an invaluable leader and a driving force for the club.

Weighing in on the controversy, Amorim didn’t hold back in his defence of Fernandes, showering him with praise and reaffirming his importance to the team.

He said (via ManUtd.com): “I heard about that [podcast]. I have a different opinion.

“Bruno is really important for us in the club, especially for me.

“He’s playing well in a difficult context – he wants always the responsibility.

“I know sometimes as a captain, he does things like with his arms and sometimes you see it like criticising the teammates.

“I think, most of all, it is a lot of frustration for this year, in the last year and the others.

“He wants to win and sometimes it’s really hard to deal with that frustration.

“But, like I said, everybody has an opinion – Roy Keane has big standards from his time, and it’s normal to have an opinion.

“I have the opposite opinion and I think it is more important, my opinion, because I am the coach and I think he’s doing things quite well.”

Fernandes deserves more respect from ex-players

The Red Devils have failed to thrive after Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

The club have made several bad decisions both on and off the pitch.

Amidst a string of missteps, one of the club’s few masterstrokes was securing the signing of Fernandes in 2020.

That transfer move has proven to be a rare bright spot in United’s modern era. Fernandes is the heart and soul of the team on the pitch.

He is the creative engine and the spark of inspiration in the final third, constantly orchestrating attacks and unlocking defenses.

Despite experiencing a managerial carousel in less than six years at Old Trafford, every coach he has played under has praised his relentless work ethic, unwavering availability and dynamic playing style.

Like any player, he is not without flaws.

His body language can falter when United are under pressure, but that does not diminish his importance.

United are enduring a turbulent 2024/25 season, yet Fernandes continues to outperform many of his teammates.

The £45 million-rated maestro has already racked up 10 goals and 13 assists this campaign.

He was instrumental in United’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town earlier this week, creating all three goals with his trademark vision.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .