‘Gives his all to players’ – Fernandes explains what he learnt from watching Sporting under Amorim

Bruno Fernandes is looking forward to welcoming Ruben Amorim to Manchester United. The Portugal international is currently away on international duty and is due to return to Carrington for training under the new head coach next week.

United’s most influential player knows a thing or two about moving from Lisbon to Manchester, so our club captain will be able to help his new boss settle in once they link up.

Fernandes has kept a close eye on his former club from afar since leaving. He has seen Amorim takeover a side that had no won a Portuguese championship since 2002 before leading them to title success in 2021 and 2024.

After transforming Sporting CP and restoring them to previous heights, Amorim has left Estadio Jose Alvalade with them sitting atop of the Primeira Liga, having won their first 11 games. The Portuguese champions are well placed to qualify for the knockouts of the Champions League, too.

Speaking to ManUtd.com, Fernandes stated that he believes the fond farewell Amorim experienced after the recent 4-1 victory over Man City – his final home match in charge – showed how much of an impact he has made at the club.

“Obviously for me, what stands out as I said to you is the connection he has with the players,” Bruno said.

“You see it at the end of the game when a manager is going from your club in the middle of the season and with all the things that they have still to win.

“And you see the way they say goodbye to him, the way they feel, they make him feel part of the team and how they treat him.

“So it shows that this is a great character and he’s someone that gives his all to the players.”

Ruben Amorim believes in his players

Fernandes added how Amorim keeps his faith in players even when they are struggling to find form.

“I’ve seen many, many moments where players were struggling and he kept his faith in them,” he said.

“He always goes to the press conference and always defends their players and always kept them on under himself to give them the best opportunity to shine.

“He had a really youthful team so they needed that and hopefully when he comes here he can do the same again with the youth.

“Us players with the most experience, we have to help him to get that and get the best out of every player at this club.”