Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim admits he utilised Fernandes incorrectly last season, after midfielder offers timely reminder of goal-scoring prowess with brace in 2-1 win over West Ham
Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes after scoring against West Ham on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim lavished praise on skipper Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder netted both goals in a 2-1 pre-season victory over West Ham United at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Fernandes, 30, was the Red Devils’s best player last season, notching up 19 goals and 19 assists in 57 matches across all competitions. He showcased his pedigree once again on Saturday, albeit with some help from West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Early penalty for Utd
Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the fifth minute, calmly sending Areola the wrong way after the Frenchman needlessly shoved Ayden Heaven to the ground upon losing possession.
Ruben Amorim
Fernandes then doubled United’s lead in the 52nd minute after another howler from Areola, whose sloppy pass out from the back went straight to United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on the edge of the area. Mainoo slipped in a pass to Fernandes, who then coolly lifted a finish over the stranded Areola. Bowen’s clever finish in the 63rd minute reduced the deficit for West Ham.
Despite his impressive contributions from midfield, Amorim admitted that the Portuguese star could have done even better in front of goal last season were it not for his own tactics, which required Fernandes to drop deeper in support of his teammates.
“Last year, I felt that I pushed him back to have more possession in the build-up, and we missed Bruno’s goalscoring ability in the box,” Amorim said.
He also waxed lyrical about Fernandes’s leadership.
A true leader
“It was so clear last season [that Bruno was our best performer]. Now, he has more players to help him lead the group, and that is a good thing. He leads by example on and off the field,” said Amorim.
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