Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that captain Bruno Fernandes was “tired” during the club’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday at the Emirates.
The loss was Amorim’s first as United boss, with goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba securing the victory for the Gunners after the break. United had shown defensive resilience in the first half but struggled to create chances in attack.
Their best opportunity came from a header by Matthijs De Ligt, but David Raya saved it. Fernandes, who had started in a deeper central midfield role, provided the cross for that chance but was visibly fatigued during the match.
Managing Fatigue During Rebuild
Amorim acknowledged that Fernandes had been playing at a high intensity, having started all four of the manager’s games in charge. “You have to understand what kind of players you have,” Amorim said. “Bruno was a little bit tired at the end against Arsenal, but you know he will recover well.”
Amorim also highlighted that players like Manuel Ugarte needed more time to adjust to the team. Despite the loss, the Portuguese coach remains focused on rebuilding the team and is prioritizing understanding his players’ physical limits and ensuring they are managed properly during this phase.
Focus on Effort and Gradual Improvement
The defeat has not deterred Amorim, who sees the current phase as one focused on effort and rebuilding. “Our supporters want to see effort first, then victories, and eventually a dominant team,” Amorim stated.
He emphasized that the immediate priority is getting the basics right, focusing on effort, and gradually improving the team’s performance. With two wins, one draw, and one loss under his belt, Amorim is confident that the team will continue to grow as they adapt to his style