Man Utd head coach Ruben Amorim has hailed captain Bruno Fernandes for his leadership and influence following the midfielder’s key role in the win over Chelsea.
Fernandes, making his 200th appearance for the club, scored his 100th goal in a United shirt to put his side ahead in the first half. But it was his overall contribution – both on and off the ball – that drew strong words of admiration from his manager.
“He deserves all the praise,” said Amorim after the match. “The most important thing is the influence he has on the squad. Sometimes he’s not in the best position to be the main man in every game, but the point of the captain is to be the best he can be in every situation to help the team be better. He’s doing that.”
Amorim has worked closely with Fernandes in a new system that sees the Portugal international deployed in a deeper midfield role. The shift is intended to give Fernandes more touches and allow him to dictate play, though it has also exposed some defensive vulnerabilities.
Still, the United manager remains fully supportive of his captain and believes Fernandes’ overall contribution far outweighs the occasional mistake.
“I think he can play better – but everyone can play better in our team,” Amorim said. “That guy deserves to be in the history of our club, not just for what he does but for what his team conquers.”
Fernandes played a pivotal role throughout the contest, including a critical moment late in the game when he dispossessed Chelsea captain Reece James and drove forward to test goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. After being substituted in the final minutes, Fernandes was seen anxiously urging on his teammates from the bench.
Despite speculation over his future during the summer, when he received a significant offer from the Saudi Pro League, Fernandes chose to stay at United – a decision Amorim views as crucial to the club’s current project.
Saturday’s win gives United a chance to register consecutive Premier League victories for the first time under Amorim when they travel to Brentford next weekend.
