Ruben Amorim has come to the defence of Bruno Fernandes, following former Manchester United captain Roy Keane’s harsh criticism of the current United captain.
Keane had suggested that Fernandes was one of the “imposters” at the club and remarked that “talent is not enough” when speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast.
Keane, who has long held high standards for players at Manchester United, didn’t hold back when evaluating Fernandes’ leadership and recent performances. “I see fans at matches, and they’re singing for Bruno. I see these boys, I think you’re imposters!” Keane said. “You have to have a starting point. I go back to it all-talent is not enough. Bruno’s a talented player, but talent’s not enough.”
During his Friday press conference, Amorim was asked about Keane’s comments and quickly took the opportunity to defend Fernandes.
“I have a different perspective,” Amorim explained. “Bruno is extremely important to us at the club.”
The Red Devils boss emphasized that Fernandes is “special” to him personally. “He’s playing well despite the tough circumstances. He consistently takes on responsibility,” Amorim added.
Acknowledging Fernandes’ fiery passion on the pitch, Amorim clarified that the midfielder’s gestures, often perceived as frustration towards his teammates, are born out of the desire to win.
“I know, as a captain, Bruno does things with his arms, and it can sometimes look like he’s criticizing his teammates. But I think, more than anything, it’s a lot of frustration from the past few years. He wants to win, and sometimes it’s difficult to handle that frustration.”
Amorim also acknowledged that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, including Keane, who holds his former standards in high regard. However, the United manager added, “I have a different view, and I believe my opinion matters more than Roy Keane’s because I am the coach. And I think Bruno is doing things very well.”
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly set to cover the cost of a team dinner after his reaction to being substituted during the Ipswich match.
