Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed that injured captain Bruno Fernandes is actively pushing for a return to action, even joking that the midfielder might be eyeing his managerial position. Fernandes, sidelined due to a soft tissue injury, observed his teammates from the stands during a recent match at Old Trafford.
The 31-year-old Fernandes sustained the injury eight days ago but initially continued to play before being substituted at half-time. Ahead of the upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Amorim stated, “Bruno was already saying that he needs to train, but we don’t know. No chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that.”
Leadership in Adversity
Despite his absence on the pitch, Fernandes’ leadership qualities remain evident. Amorim emphasized that even while injured, Fernandes continues to motivate his teammates. “He cannot be that guy that [when he] is not playing, he’s not talking and speaking. He’s always speaking. That’s why he’s the captain,” he said.
Amorim acknowledged both the positives and negatives of Fernandes’ leadership style, commenting, “He has bad things sometimes, the way he moves his arms, but he has a lot of good things.” He noted that Fernandes often watches training sessions following his recovery from previous games, demonstrating his commitment to the team. “He’s a great leader,” Amorim added, emphasizing that Fernandes is consistently involved, even after receiving treatment.
When asked about Fernandes’s influence during his injury, Amorim remarked, “Yeah, all the time. He’s the guy that is watching the training. Even after treatment, he’s going there. I don’t know if he wants my job or not, but he’s a leader. The guy is a leader.”
Adapting Tactics Amid Injury
Fernandes is not the only player facing challenges ahead of the match against Wolves. The squad may also be without others who were assessed after recent injuries. This situation has prompted Amorim to adjust his tactical approach, shifting from a five-man defense to a back four during the match against Newcastle United. This change comes despite his earlier commitment to maintaining his preferred formation.
Amorim explained his reluctance to alter his tactics upon taking charge in November 2024, stating he was “trying to build an identity.” He acknowledged the need for flexibility, saying, “Today is a different moment. We don’t have a lot of players, we need to adapt.”
He reassured fans and media that the adjustments are not due to external pressures but rather a strategic decision to enhance the team’s performance. “It is not because of the pressure of you guys [in the media], or of the fans. It’s because now we understand the way we want to play and the principles are the same,” Amorim said.
Amorim remains confident that these tactical shifts will ultimately strengthen the team. “When all the players return, we are not going to play all the time with three defenders. We are going to improve,” he stated, highlighting the importance of adapting to the current situation while maintaining the team’s core principles.
As Manchester United prepares for their final fixture of a challenging 2025 season, Amorim’s focus remains on fostering leadership and adaptability within the squad, ensuring that they are ready to face any challenge that comes their way.
