Bruno Fernandes warns Ruben Amorim as Man Utd captain gives verdict on new boss

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has expressed his optimism about the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim, hoping he can “change the energy” at the club.

The Portuguese star praised Amorim’s ability to support struggling players and his successful track record at Sporting – but has warned he cannot just copy what he did in Portugal at United because of the differences between the players at his disposal and the two leagues.

Despite not being able to start coaching until his work visa is confirmed, Amorim’s impressive stint at Sporting, where he secured two titles in four seasons, gives Fernandes hope for the future.

Speaking to MUTV, Fernandes said: “Sometimes a person can change the energy of a space, if it’s the right moment. We hope that he can come and this is the right moment for him to come and bring his energy, bring his qualities and his knowledge of football, because he’s done something really, really special at Sporting.

“If someone doubts that, it’s about just looking at the past. Sporting was to be about 20 years without winning the league and he got back to win the league, and he won it two times in four years with a really youthful team, in a moment of change.

“So hopefully he can do the same here for us and [hopefully] it’s going to be a successful time for all of us.

“He’s a really smart manager that has done really good things for Sporting tactically – it’s really good, what I’ve seen from the games for Sporting.”

However, he noted the challenges of adapting to a new team, adding: “But obviously you can’t bring or transform what he has done at Sporting into here, because you have different players, you have different ways of play and everything.”

But Fernandes remains optimistic about the impact Amorim can have on United, continuing: “I’m pretty sure that the idea of football he has, independent of the way he wants to play, is going to be a good one and it’s going to bring us success. That’s what I hope and I’m pretty sure that (is what) he hopes too.”

Despite Erik ten Hag facing criticism for lacking a clear pattern of play and not fully utilising his squad, Fernandes believes the new boss, Amorim, can unite the team.

He observed: “I’ve seen many, many moments where players were struggling and he kept his faith in them. He always goes to the press conference and always defends their players.

“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.”