'I wouldn't say we're close' - Bruno Fernandes admits he 'doesn't speak much' to Ruben Amorim as 'very quiet' Man Utd head coach uses staff to pass on instructions

Manchester United have had a nightmare journey in the 2024-25 campaign as they find themselves 14th in the Premier League following their 1-1 draw against Arsenal last Sunday. They parted company with Erik ten Hag early in the season and replaced the Dutchman with Amorim, however, the Portuguese coach has not been able to change the club's fortunes, as under his tutelage, the Red Devils have won just 11 out of 26 matches.

Amid the team's poor run of form, club captain Fernandes has made a surprise admission about his relationship with the ex-Sporting CP boss, as he told CBS Sports: "I wouldn't say we're quite close. We don't speak that much to be honest. He is a manager that is very, very quiet...

"Obviously, being the captain, most of the things he wants to pass to the team, many times come to me, but many other times doesn't even come from him but from his staff. Obviously, we have a good relationship but I wouldn't say that is different than any other player. I knew the things that he was doing at Sporting but it wasn't someone I knew personally."

Amorim's coaching performance has come under scrutiny in recent times, but he has been backed to succeed at Old Trafford by the club's part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The British billionaire has praised Amorim's courage and hailed him as a thoughtful person.

After holding title contenders Arsenal to a draw, Amorim's men will now aim to register a win against Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at Old Trafford on Thursday and progress to the next round of the competition.