Bruno Fernande has been Manchester United's best player in recent seasons but Ruben Amorim has sent the midfielder a warning over his future role at the club
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim has warned Bruno Fernandes(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Bruno Fernandes has been warned he must expect some time among the substitutes by Ruben Amorim. The Manchester United boss has revealed the Red Devils' captain will be rotated if the club have European games on their schedule next season.
Fernandes has scarcely missed a minute in the opening 10 Premier League matches this season. The Portugal international remains an integral part of Amorim's plans, despite playing a deeper role than he has been accustomed to at Old Trafford, owing to the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko into United's front three.
Fernandes has missed just three matches for United through injury or illness across more than five years at the club - making a habit of being available since arriving at Old Trafford. In the entirety of last season, the midfielder featured in all but three games for the club.
But, if United are to be successful, Amorim has warned his 31-year-old star player that he must get used to some time among the substitutes. An increase in games means the head coach will have to manage his squad more effectively.
“We have one game per week, he’s always available," said Amorim
“It’s really hard. We have good things on that, to play just one game, but then there’s a lot of players that should be playing, should be dividing the minutes, should be fighting for their places in a different way. But we don’t have the space.
“So I’m not thinking about now the rotation of the players. In the future, yes, is something that Bruno needs to understand. If you want to win every game that you are a part, with European games, is going to have to rotate.
“So good question, just for Bruno to put in his head, that maybe next year he’s going to be in rotation in the team.”
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes
Casemiro and Fernandes have started to find success as a midfield pivot
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Fernandes has kept Kobbie Mainoo out of the side this season, with Amorim viewing the pair as in competition. Mainoo has played 138 minutes in the Premier League and spent most of his time on the bench this season.
The young midfielder is unavailable to face Tottenham after picking up an injury, but has been linked with a loan move in January. Mainoo's absence put United's remarkable 88-year record of including an academy player in their squad at risk.
Amorim has placed 18-year-old Jack Fletcher among his substitutes, however. Fletcher is son of ex-United star Darren Fletcher.
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