Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim has been sent a fresh accusation by his Man United stars
Manchester United players are worried that Ruben Amorim favours his Portuguese stars.
The Red Devils have endured a woeful season this term - with Sunday’s draw with Arsenal leaving them 14th and already eight points off of the top-half. But it could have been even worse for United had they not had their Portuguese contingent.
Bruno Fernandes, 30, has been a shining light for the club this term. His free-kick against Arsenal was his 12th goal of the season in all competitions, while he has 13 assists.
But there are still concerns. According to the Manchester Evening News, some stars are worried that Amorim ‘leans on’ his compatriots too much, while distancing himself from others in the squad.
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Speaking about Fernandes’ recent performances, he said: "Sometimes when we need a goal, a free kick, an assist, he’s always there. I think he’s a very good example, he does some mistakes but he’s a very good example for other players.
“I think any coach, when he wants to bring players in, he expects the best. But sometimes they have to adapt and sometimes you have luck with the character of the player even with all the investigations that all the coaches do before signing players.
"What I can say is that we need more Brunos. That is clear. Not just the quality, the character - not some mistakes - but the character he has. The availability in this league is so important and he’s so decisive with the ball and without the ball."
The fresh concerns about Amorim’s reliance on his captain come just a week after United icon Roy Keane had torn into the playmaker. The former midfielder slammed Fernandes for not being a fighter, while calling him a “f****** imposter” - a claim that triggered a furious argument with Ian Wright.
Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Amorim
Bruno Fernandes has regular saved Amorim's Man United
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And Amorim did not take particularly kindly to those comments. He said: “I heard about that - I have a different opinion. Bruno is really important for us in the club, especially for me. He's playing well in a difficult context and he always wants the responsibility.
“I know as a captain he does things sometimes with his arms, criticising his team-mates, but most of all it's a bit of frustration. He wants to win and sometimes it's difficult to deal with that frustration. Roy Keane has big standards from his time. But I think my opinion is more important than Roy Keane's because I am the coach.”
Of course, Fernandes is not the only Portuguese star currently plying his trade at Old Trafford. Fullback Diogo Dalot has played a full part under Amorim, making 25 appearances in all competitions, missing just one game due to suspension.
And despite the accusations, both Fernandes and Dalot look set to stay in the side this week for United’s make-or-break Europa League showdown with Real Sociedad.
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