Man Utd news: Bruno Fernandes worries emerge amid squad disagreement over Ruben Amorim

Manchester United return from the international break with hope that time away will spark a new wave of optimism under Ruben Amorim, who remains under scrutiny at Old Trafford

Skipper Bruno Fernandes finds himself at the centre of speculation as Manchester United return to action following the international break. That’s due to the midfielder’s latest display for Portugal, leading to concern in some circles that the 31-year-old is not himself at the moment.

Fernandes has long been United’s biggest source of inspiration in key moments, even with the doldrums witnessed under Ruben Amorim. Speaking of Amorim, it appears the manager’s insistence on staying true to his system is causing friction in the United dressing room.

It’s reported that certain established players at Old Trafford still aren’t buying into Amorim’s ways, but one new signing has the boss’s back. Mirror Football looks into the latest headlines surrounding Old Trafford ahead of the Red Devils’ return at Liverpool on Sunday.

Fernandes fatigue setting in?

As if United didn’t have enough problems on their plate right now, there are concerns regarding the current condition of captain Fernandes. At least that’s according to reports in the Portuguese media, some of which weren’t content with the player during his last international outing.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to put Portugal on the brink of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. That was until Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai turned in an injury-time equaliser to at least delay Portugal’s procession by a month or so.

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But while Ronaldo raked in the plaudits for his brace, questions were raised over Fernandes’ seemingly flat-footed display. Renascenca said both he and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva exhibited signs of “physical fatigue” compared to their usual selves.

A Bola clearly wasn’t overly impressed with the playmaker, either, as it awarded Fernandes just a six out of 10 rating for his performance. That unsurprisingly ranked among the lower end of Portuguese players on the night.

“He hit the post once in the second half, but that was perhaps the only time he managed to find space in the central corridor,” read the assessment. “For this reason, he often appeared close to the line, especially on the left, but without gaining any influence.”

If there is any evidence Fernandes is already feeling tired this season, United will hope it’s eliminated ahead of Sunday’s trip to Anfield. And if the skipper is feeling out of sorts, Amorim’s side could be in for a long afternoon against a Liverpool team hoping to end a run of three straight defeats.

Cunha disagrees with Amorim frustrations

A sense of disbelief continues to preside over Old Trafford amid an alleged lack of faith in Amorim’s structure. The Daily Mail reported last month that there are players at United still struggling to buy into the manager’s 3-4-3 approach, which was introduced after he replaced Erik ten Hag in November 2024.

However, while others in the squad may feel some discontent towards this commander-in-chief for being so stuck in his ways, Matheus Cunha sees it as a challenge. And the £65million summer recruit believes his versatility will be a boon under Amorim.

One can see why given Cunha’s best positions as a frontman, supporting striker or de factor No. 10 are all catered for in Amorim’s system. And the Brazilian disagreed with those in opposition by suggesting it’s up to United’s players to adapt to the blueprint, not the other way around.

“I think that because I play for Manchester [United] and people follow me more on the pitch, they understand better how I play,” he told Globo during the international break. “I think it’s part of having that weight, which is a privilege.

“It’s a weight that came after the Tokyo Olympics [for Brazil in 2021]. And if it means having that weight and becoming a champion, I think it’s worth putting up with a little bit of confusion about where [I] play.

“I came to the national team with this stereotype of a number 9 shirt. I play my entire base as a midfielder, and when I became a professional, I encountered this world of 4-3-3. It seems like you have to adapt: either play centre-forward, winger, or ‘eight’.

“They eliminated the midfielder position, and you have to adapt. But I see it positively, as it has given me experience, many more positions, and even more so in short-term tournaments with the national team. Having a versatile player is a huge help for any coach.”

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