What Bruno Fernandes told Man Utd boss after sack speaks volumes as Amorim axed
Bruno Fernandes apologised to his Manchester United boss after he was sacked by the club and now faces a similar situation in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s dismissal
Bruno Fernandes might be experiencing familiar feelings after Manchester United dismissed Ruben Amorim on Monday. This marks the second manager to depart the club during his tenure as captain, having previously expressed regret about Erik ten Hag‘s exit.
United confirmed on Monday that the club has severed ties with Amorim following an underwhelming 1-1 draw at Leeds. During his post-match press conference, Amorim emphasised he had no intention of resigning but criticised certain club officials for not concentrating on their own responsibilities, implying he would assert his position as club manager and “not a head coach.”
Ten Hag appointed Fernandes as captain in 2023 after the Portugal international had become a beloved figure at Old Trafford. The skipper showed his leadership qualities when he attempted to shoulder his portion of responsibility after Ten Hag’s position became untenable.
While others might have stayed silent or offered token sympathies following the manager’s departure, Fernandes – who may harbour a sense of loyalty to Amorim after he was instrumental in persuading him to remain at the club last summer – stepped up. And he maintained he and his team-mates ought to have been capable of doing more to safeguard his position.
“When you see a manager go you have to look at the mirror first,” he told Sky Sports in November 2024 following Ten Hag’s dismissal. “I spoke with Erik ten Hag and I told him I apologise and I feel disappointed I couldn’t do more for him. We should’ve done better.
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“I wasn’t scoring goals and I felt responsibility as I’m normally a player with a lot of goals and assists. Main thing is he’s aware of that. Every week is challenging, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose. It’s a different week because we know Erik is gone.
“It’s not good for anyone at the club when a manager goes, because it means that the positions where the team is is not the best, the results are not the best. We are all disappointed by that, you always have to take a little bit of the blame on yourself.”
Fernandes shrewdly observed it’s “easier to get rid of a manager than 15 players,” demonstrating considerable insight in his analysis. While Amorim had already been confirmed as Ten Hag’s successor at that point, Fernandes appeared keen to show respect towards interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy by emphasising complete concentration remained on his temporary leadership.
United’s skipper was also the first squad member to publicly express gratitude to Ten Hag after his dismissal. Taking to Instagram, he posted: “Thanks for everything boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we share (sic) together. I wish you all the best in the future.
“Even knowing the last period hasn’t been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager has done for our club!”
Unlike Ten Hag, Amorim didn’t have the safeguard of FA Cup or League Cup victories to his name. Furthermore, under Amorim’s watch, the club suffered their worst league finish, ending up in 15th last season, though club bosses chose to keep faith in his reign nonetheless.
Ex-United midfielder Darren Fletcher has stepped in as interim manager while the club hunts for a replacement. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is currently the favourite with the bookies, with Gareth Southgate and Xavi also heavily linked.
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