Ruben Amorim hints at Man Utd frustration after Sir Jim Ratcliffe's £8m decision
Manchester United signed up to play two post-season friendlies in Asia and boss Ruben Amorim has hinted at the difficulties that brings as Bruno Fernandes started against Hong Kong
Ruben Amorim has suggested that his Manchester United players are exhausted - and the club's commercial responsibilities for their post-season tour could be to blame. The Portuguese admitted that Bruno Fernandes started against Hong Kong because his team had to improve following a defeat to ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur.
The fixtures are set to land United around £8million in additional funds as the club, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, continues its attempts to find their way to more comfortable financial footing. Missing out on European football after a disastrous season in the Premier League has already seen each player made available for sale.
A team including Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund lost United's opening game in Malaysia. Fernandes only played the second half of that fixture but the Red Devils captain was on the pitch from the outset against Hong Kong.
United's talisman led a team against the Asian side that included Alejandro Garnacho and Jonny Evans in addition to Hojlund and Casemiro. Ahead of the game Amorim explained why he opted to utilise Fernandes at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.
"Yes because we need to respect and do better than the last game," said the former Sporting CP boss. "We understand the players are tired from all the commercial things for our fans.
"Now it's time to perform to show good things for our fans.
Amorim's decision is additionally complicated as Fernandes seriously considers a move away from Old Trafford. Al Hilal are keen to land the midfielder and are said to be willing to pay a £100million transfer fee.
Fernandes would also be set for a £200m contract with his agent said to have met with the Saudi side earlier this week. Talks are reported to have run late into the night with Al Hilal keen to get a deal done quickly
Earlier in the week, Amorim outlined Fernandes' importance to the club. "He is really important for us and what we want to build for the team. We talk about this many times.
"You can see by his performances. You can see by his leadership. You can see the passion he has for the game.
"In difficult moments, Bruno is the guy who takes responsibility. He should do because he is the captain."
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