Ruben Amorim has highlighted the importance of captain Bruno Fernandes after Manchester United’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Declan Rice’s 74th-minute goal canceled out Fernandes’ strike just before halftime, securing a point for Arsenal, but the visitors needed a crucial save from goalkeeper David Raya to deny Fernandes late in the match.
Amorim emphasized that the Red Devils “need more Brunos,” praising Fernandes’ performance after the captain’s contribution helped keep United competitive. Despite their struggles, United remains in 14th place in the Premier League, with Fernandes being the team’s top scorer with seven goals.
“Fernandes is always stepping up,” Amorim remarked. “He can sometimes show frustration, which can hurt him more than anyone, but he’s driven to win. He’s always available and willing to play different roles. When the team needs a goal or assist, he’s always there and sets a great example.”
Amorim also pointed out that he hopes other players – both current ones and potential summer signings-can display similar qualities.
“As a coach, you expect the best from players, but sometimes adjustments need to be made. What I can say is that we need more Brunos – not just in terms of his character, but also his availability and his skill with the ball.”
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta also praised Fernandes for his clever execution of the free kick, which resulted in United’s only goal of the match.
“They just mentioned that if Bruno has done that, football is for street-smart players,” Arteta said of the free kick. “And if he did that and took advantage, he was more clever than us and the referee.”
Both Arteta and Rice, however, felt that referee Anthony Taylor had positioned the wall too far from the spot kick.
“It was a goal; they took advantage of it. Football is for clever people,” Arteta continued.
Rice added, “It helps that the wall was about 15 meters back!”
While United came close to winning late on, Arsenal dominated possession with 68 percent throughout the match. Amorim acknowledged the improvement in his team’s performance compared to recent weeks but expressed a desire for more attacking intent.
“The plan was good, but we need more possession and to press higher up the field,” he said. “I don’t want my team to play this way – going forward, I want us to spend more time in the final third than sitting deep in defense.”
He concluded, “But overall, the performance is something to build on. The players followed the plan and stayed united, which is crucial for the future. At a club like ours, we must push forward no matter what, and that’s why the change needs to happen.”
Next up for United is a Europa League second-leg clash with Real Sociedad on Thursday at Old Trafford, with a spot in the quarterfinals at stake after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
