Ruben Amorim praises Bruno Fernandes “really important” after a display of two goals

Manchester United’s boss Ruben Amorim praised Captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder scored twice during a 2-1 pre-season victory against his colleague at Premier League West Ham United at the Metlife Stadium from New Jersey on Saturday.

Fernandes, who scored 19 goals and provided 19 assists in 57 appearances in all competitions for United last season and won the club player prize, was linked to a move to the Saudi Pro-Ligue club Al Hilal earlier this year.

However, the 30 -year -old said last month that he had considered the move, but finally refused it to continue playing at the highest level.

Asked about the importance of Fernandes for the team, Amorim told journalists after the victory: “It was so clear last season, you can see it with goals and assists. But that’s not just that.

“I think now he has more players, I think, to help him lead the group, and that’s a good thing. He is our chef and really important, not only on the ground but out of the field. He gives an example.

“Sometimes the problem is that he is frustrated and loses a little concentration in his work. Sometimes he wants to help teammates so much, this is not the best thing to do. They have to do their job, and Bruno has, for example, to wait for the ball.”

United has signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo so far in the transfer window, Amorim saying that the signatures would remove part of Fernandes’ pressure in attack.

“Last year, I sometimes felt that I pushed him to have more possession in the accumulation, and we will miss Bruno near the box,” Amorim added.

“With different features of Bryan (Mbeumo) and Matheus Cunha – and I really like the game of Kobbie Mainoo – he (Fernandes) will have more help this season.”