Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim praised Captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder scored twice in a 2-1 victory for the season at fellow Premier League Club West Ham United at the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday.
Fernandes, who scored 19 goals and gave 19 assists in 57 performances in all competitions for United last season and won the Club's Player of the Year Award, was connected earlier this year with a move to Saudi Pro-League Club Hilal.
However, the 30-year-old said last month that he had considered the move, but in the end rejected to keep playing at the highest level.
When asked about the interests of Fernandes for the team, Amorim said reporters after the victory: “It was so clear last season, you can see it with the goals and assists. But it is not just that.
“I think he now has more players, I feel, to help him lead the group, and that is a good thing. He is our leader and really important, not just on the field, but outside the field. He sets a good example.
“Sometimes the problem is that he gets frustrated and loses a little focus of his work. Sometimes he wants to help the teammates so much, it's not the best thing to do. They have to do their work, and Bruno has to wait for the ball, for example.”
United has drawn Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo so far in the transfer window, in which Amorim said that the signing sessions would decrease part of the pressure of Fernandes.
“Last year I felt that I sometimes pushed him back to have more possession in the structure, and we miss Bruno by the box,” Amorim added.
“With different characteristics of Bryan (Mbeumo) and Matheus Cunha – and I really love the game of Kobbie Mainoo – he (Fernandes) will get more help this season.”