Ruben Amorim insists Manchester United are “lucky” to have Bruno Fernandes as captain as his side prepare to face Fulham on Sunday.
United have lost six of their 11 league games under Amorim so far (won three, drawn two) and dropped to 13th in the Premier League before the trip to Craven Cottage.
However, they beat Rangers 2-1 in midweek thanks to Fernandes' late winner in the Europa League match at Old Trafford.
Amorim had special praise for the Portugal international, praising Fernandes' quality and fight in a team lacking much confidence.
“He's a top player and people talk a lot about his frustration and… [they] always talks a lot about his arms in the air,” he said Friday. 'Sometimes it's not good to see, but you have to see the other side.
“When we are under pressure, he is always the man who wants the ball, and he is always available. That is so important, especially in the Premier League. Then he can run, and he runs a lot, he can fight an opponent .” lot.
“He has two sides and I have to help him deal with both situations. We are lucky to have a player like Bruno Fernandes.
“Sometimes he makes mistakes, like me last week, but he is very important and has passion. This is so important to be a footballer.”
Licha's passBruno's finish #MUFC || #UEL
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 25, 2025
At the other end of the pitch, Amorim must decide whether to start Altay Bayindir or keep faith in first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Former Inter man Onana has made three mistakes this season that have led to an opposition goal, the most by a Man Utd player in a season since David de Gea in 2019/20 (three).
His save ratio of 63.6% is also the lowest by a Man Utd goalkeeper since Anders Lindegaard in 2012/2013 (55.3%), making Amorim reconsider his choices.
“It's always an even fight, but this was a rotation, it was prepared,” Amorim said of starting for Bayindir in the FA Cup and Europa League.
“I also think about the mistake and the idea I think about is the message I send to you and the fans. The rotation is done and everything is prepared, and we will deal with that normally.
“We have two very good goalkeepers and they need time to play, space in the team. Ultimately, we will continue with the same plan as last week.”
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