Ex-Man United coach reveals drastic measure Rúben Amorim may take to save Bruno Fernandes’ career

Former Manchester United coach Mike Phelan has explained a drastic measure Rúben Amorim could endorse to help revitalise Bruno Fernandes at the club.

So far this season, Bruno Fernandes has not had the electric season that many thought Manchester United fans were in for following his contract extension in the summer.

The Portuguese midfielder and club captain only scored his first few goals of the season last week following Erik ten Hag‘s sacking, and he apologised to the former manager for his poor performances during the opening months of this campaign.

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With Ruud van Nistelrooy currently in charge of the club’s first team, Fernandes has scored in both of the side’s two games under the Dutchman’s temporary control and is expected to play a significant role when Rúben Amorim joins as the new head coach.

Amorim will take charge of the squad on 11 November, the beginning of this month’s international break. One of his main tasks will be to coax the best out of Bruno Fernandes.

Phelan’s experience with Fernandes

Former United coach Mike Phelan, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjær at the club, has revealed that when he went to scout Fernandes before signing him, they were happy with the player they had signed.

“Bruno did everything that day,” Phelan told The Athletic. “No real specific position, but he was everywhere, quite undisciplined. It worked in the environment he was in. What he had was vision, the ability to control the ball, to take a risk and to create something.

“The opportunity came along and we said, ‘He will be a definite improvement on what we’ve got.’ So we went all-in to get him, and he didn’t disappoint. Very enthusiastic, knowledgeable about the game.

“Pretty effective around the place, quite controlling. But he delivered. And he was the right player at the right time for us. A good person.”

Amorim’s big decision

Many view this Fernandes as the best Fernandes that United have seen, although many still appreciate his many qualities as captain. However, Phelan also admitted that Fernandes was not signed to be a player to build around and that since he has become captain, he has “levelled out” as a player.

“Ultimately, what we were trying to do was to build on top of that as well. But he became the focal point of everything, and that was probably down to the group of players we had. Then he became captain. That was a decision other people made for whatever reasons, and he probably levelled out a little bit. He probably tried to affect everybody and forgot about himself.

“They’ve got to find a way of getting the best out of Bruno. I think they’re still juggling with that. Is he part of the answer or is he part of the problem? I don’t know. It’s about trying to make him a little bit more aware of the job at times.”

This poses an interesting question: Should Bruno Fernandes remain United’s club captain, or would he be a better player without the added responsibility?

Fernandes was awarded the captain’s armband by Ten Hag in 2023 after Harry Maguire was deemed not involved enough in the regular starting XI to justify keeping it. However, with Amorim joining, he will have the right to elect a new captain should he choose to.

Fernandes is a leader; there is no question about this. However, it is a fascinating insight that a former United coach feels Fernandes played his best football when the armband was not on his person. It’s food for thought for the new head coach.

Bruno Fernandes is one of my favourite players to play for United in my lifetime, and more than anything, I want to see him back at his best. If this move would do so, I would consider it.

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