Ruben Amorim rinsed Bruno Fernandes on live TV as duo prepare for Man Utd link-up

Ruben Amorim has already poked light-hearted fun at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes ahead of his arrival at Old Trafford.

Fernandes left Sporting months before Amorim was appointed, but the pair will finally get the chance to work together when the incoming boss takes the reins at the start of the international break.

And there is red-hot anticipation for Amorim to begin his work with the Red Devils, who have steadied the ship with a thumping win over Leicester City and a draw against Chelsea since Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.

Amorim has built a stellar reputation as a manager since taking charge of Sporting in 2020. Prior to that, he enjoyed a short stint as a pundit, and one TV appearance saw him and his colleagues make fun of Fernandes for a comical wardrobe malfunction.

The United skipper, who was still playing for Sporting at the time, rocked up to the Estoril Open tennis tournament wearing a pair of denim shorts which contravened the event’s dress code. Fernandes was turned away before finding a pair of trousers and finally being allowed in.

Appearing on Portuguese channel TVI, Amorim and his fellow pundits all wore a pair of denim shorts to tease Fernandes about his fashion mishap.

As a Portugal international with a huge profile in his homeland, Fernandes is expected to benefit from the arrival of his countryman. The United star spoke highly of Amorim after Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea.

“I am a big fan of Sporting and watch a lot of their games,” he said. “Ruben Amorim brought the excitement back to the club – it was a little bit split when he came [to Sporting]. He transformed everything and brought everyone together.”

Fernandes bagged his first Premier League goal of the season against Chelsea, converting from the spot after Rasmus Hojlund was brought down by Robert Sanchez. After the match, United’s captain expressed his regret at not finding his shooting boots until it was too late for Ten Hag.

He added: “I spoke to the manager [Ten Hag] and apologised to him, I was disappointed he has gone and I tried to help him. I wasn’t scoring goals, we are not scoring goals and I feel responsible. I normally score a lot of goals but I always gave 100 per cent. He is aware of that.”