Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United players still backing Ruben Amorim

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes believes that manager Ruben Amorim can replicate his past Sporting success at Old Trafford.

Amorim, who guided Sporting to two league titles in his four-and-a-half-year tenure, made the move to United in November.

However, his time at the club has been challenging so far, with the team securing just 11 wins in 26 matches.

Reflecting on Amorim’s tenure at his old club, Fernandes said: “I knew the way Sporting was playing, I knew the fans were excited and the players were very happy with him [Amorim] there.

“I think we all saw in the last game that he had there [at Sporting] how much togetherness there was with the players and staff during that time.

“Me and my teammates and the technical staff, including the manager, want to recreate that. To recreate that, obviously we need trophies, too.”

After finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, United have had a difficult start to the current campaign and currently sit in 14th place following a 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Salah🤝Fernandes🤝Haaland

Bruno Fernandes’ goal against Arsenal saw him hit the 25 goal involvements mark for the third season in a row! pic.twitter.com/XLbpFVsFwD

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 10, 2025

Their attention now turns to the Europa League, where they face Real Sociedad in the second leg of their last-16 tie, having drawn the first leg 1-1.

Despite the team’s struggles, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has also expressed full confidence in Amorim, stating that the 40-year-old will be at at the club “for a long time.”

Fernandes, United’s leading scorer this season with seven goals, shoulders a significant amount of responsibility as captain. He also recognises the impact Amorim has in their native Portugal.

Following Sunday’s game against Arsenal, Amorim praised the midfielder’s performance, stating that United “need more Brunos,” after Fernandes netted a first-half free kick and came close to scoring a late winner.

Despite their shared Portuguese roots, Fernandes clarified that his relationship with Amorim is professional rather than personal.

“I wouldn’t say we’re quite close,” he said. “We don’t speak that much, to be honest. He is a manager that is very, very quiet. Obviously, being the captain, most of the things he wants to pass to the team come to me, but many other times it doesn’t even come from him but from his staff.

“Obviously, we have a good relationship, but I wouldn’t say it is different than any other player. I knew the things that he was doing at Sporting, but it wasn’t someone I knew personally.”