Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim hails Bruno Fernandes’ leadership and brilliance but urges him to trust his teammates more for success.
Bruno Fernandes continues to be a lightning rod for both criticism and praise at Manchester United.
A talismanic figure, his importance to the club is undeniable, yet his style of play often raises questions about his influence.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has set high expectations for his fellow South African Benni McCarthy who was recently appointed Harambee Stars coach.
Manager Ruben Amorim, who has been tasked with reviving the Red Devils’ fortunes, is under no illusion about Fernandes’ talent and leadership but believes the midfielder still has one flaw he must address.
“When we need it, he is always there,” Amorim said in an interview with BBC.
“He can bring the ball forward. He can score goals. He is a perfect captain for our team and we need to help him win titles.”
Fernandes’ hat-trick in United’s 4-1 Europa League victory over Real Sociedad showcased exactly why he remains indispensable.
)
Kenya has been dealt a blow in its ambitious multi-billion Talanta stadium project earmarked for AFCON 2027 with audit revealing millions lost.
In a season that has been historically poor for United – currently sitting 14th in the Premier League and in danger of suffering their worst finish since relegation in 1973-74 – Fernandes has been their one consistent performer.
With 15 goals, Fernandes is by far United’s top scorer, with no other player even reaching double figures. More impressively, in 12 games this season, his goals have directly altered the outcome, turning losses into draws and draws into wins. Without his interventions, United’s campaign would look even bleaker.
The Portuguese playmaker has developed a reputation for standing tall when his team needs him most. Just in the past month, he was the one to score in United’s draw with Arsenal, netted the equaliser in an FA Cup tie against Fulham, and produced a stunning free-kick to salvage a game against Everton. When United’s backs are against the wall, Fernandes delivers.
Yet, for all his brilliance, Fernandes remains a divisive figure. His captaincy has come under scrutiny multiple times.
)
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has recalled one forgotten deender who has been out of the team since 2021.
Gary Neville was scathing in his criticism after United’s humiliating 7-0 defeat to Liverpool in March 2023, questioning his temperament and body language.
More recently, club legend Roy Keane dismissed the idea that United’s season would have been significantly worse without Fernandes, bluntly asking: “How much worse could it be?”
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes, however, sees the immense value Fernandes provides.
“Over this last six-to-seven weeks he’s been brilliant,” Scholes said on TNT Sports as quoted by Metro.
“He’s playing a bit deeper these days rather than that 10 role. He’s carrying this team to a little bit of success.”
)
Benni McCarthy names a 32-man Harambee Stars squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon, blending experience and youth.
Another attribute that makes Fernandes invaluable is his durability. Out of all United’s outfield players, only Diogo Dalot has featured in more matches than the midfielder this season. In a squad riddled with injuries, Fernandes’ availability is a major asset.
However, Amorim insists there is still room for improvement. He believes Fernandes’ tendency to chase the ball at the expense of team shape can sometimes be counterproductive.
“We know that sometimes he is frustrated,” Amorim explained.
“We know he wants to win so badly and when things are not going well, he is changing position and going after the ball. Sometimes he needs to trust his team-mates.”
That last point could be the key to unlocking United’s potential. While Fernandes’ passion and drive are unquestionable, his desire to take matters into his own hands can disrupt the team’s structure.
Amorim will need to strike a balance between allowing his captain the freedom to express himself and ensuring he adheres to tactical discipline.
Fernandes may be United’s heartbeat, but if he can learn to trust those around him, he could take his leadership – and his team – to another level.
The question remains: can he make that adjustment? If he can, United might just have a captain capable of leading them back to glory.
