Amorim does not believe Fernandes has played his last game for Man United
[HONG KONG] Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim does not believe Bruno Fernandes has played his last game for the team, saying after Friday's 3-1 win over Hong Kong in a friendly that he had a feeling his captain planned to stay.
The game at Hong Kong Stadium was played amid swirling talk that Saudi Pro-League club Al Hilal are prepared to splash out 100 million pounds (US$134.73 million) for the Portuguese midfielder.
Asked at a press conference if it was Fernandes' last game in a United shirt, Amorim said: 'I don't think so. I don't know for sure. I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things.
'The club can find other ways to make money. The feeling I get is that he wants to continue for sure with Man United, you never know.'
Fernandes had suggested after the season's final game that he could be sold to balance the books.
Amorim acknowledged the 30-year-old player was 'so frustrated' in many games in a horrible season where they finished 15th, their worst Premier League campaign.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle
Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself.
Sign Up
Sign Up
'But he knows what we are doing,' Amorim said. 'Of course, I'm the manager. I'm the coach, but sometimes it's a decision of the player. But of course I talk with him, I explain things and I just have that feeling when I talk to someone, you have the feeling if he wants to stay.'
United trailed at halftime on Friday after a 19th-minute goal from Juninho, but Chido Obi scored shortly after the break and in the 82nd minute. Ayden Heaven struck in the 94th minute.
The victory at least salvaged something positive after United had been booed for their performance in a 1-0 loss to ASEAN All-Stars in Malaysia.
They were also ridiculed for an open-top bus parade in Kuala Lumpur.
Amorim still deemed the tour a success.
'We have a clear idea of what we want. Of course we are a little bit limited, we cannot do everything in one summer, but we have a clear picture of what we want,' he said. REUTERS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Straits Times
Manchester United's tour de farce a disservice to Red Devils' fans in Asia
A fan in the stands before the friendly between Manchester United and Asean All-Stars at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur on May 28. PHOTO: AFP SINGAPORE – A trophyless season and a 15th-place finish in the English Premier League might be a painful result, but one could reason that Manchester United had a manager who was hired mid-season for a squad that badly need a rebuild. But watching young United players hold up their middle fingers at fans and behaving poorly after a shambles of a season? That is the real insult, and it has left a bitter taste that their fans – especially in Asia – should not be made to swallow. After United's worst season in the English top flight since 1973-74, Ruben Amorim and his squad travelled to Malaysia and Hong Kong for two post-season friendlies which they estimate will generate about £10 million (S$17.4 million). United lost out on a £100 million pay day following their Europa League final defeat and missing out on the Champions League. While two extra games after a long campaign is not ideal for weary players, this tour is a necessity during a time of economic strain for the club – a situation partly caused by the players' underwhelming displays during the season. But during this tour, it was not their performance in these two inconsequential games that was the talking point, but the poor conduct of some players. Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho were filmed holding up a middle finger on at least two separate occasions and footage on social media appeared to show Garnacho shoving a supporter who was filming him. While Garnacho has not addressed his behaviour publicly, Amad said in a social media post that he should not have made the gesture, though he added that he had no regrets as someone had allegedly insulted his mother. There is little in the footage posted online by fans that support Amad's account. Regardless of what was said, there is no justifying flipping the finger at fans. Especially when the player is in club attire and fans have waited hours in hot, humid conditions to catch a glimpse of him and his teammates. These are the same fans who have stuck by them, often staying up late into the night or the wee hours over the past year, enduring uninspiring and disappointing performances, yet still showing their passion for their team. Amad and Garnacho were also pictured with their middle fingers out when posing for a photo with two fans in what appears to be an elevator. Although the full context is not known, were they so naive to think that it would not end up online? Did they consider what a poor example they are setting for their young fans? Amad has been a rare shining light for the team this season, but this off-field behaviour is short of the standards required of any professional athlete, let alone one representing one of the biggest clubs in world football. United legend David Beckham, who played for the club from 1992 to 2003, has expressed disappointment with the behaviour of the squad during their postseason tour of Asia. While Beckham did not name any players or mention specifics of their conduct, he told CBS Sports: 'It's true that it's the pitch that matters, but I see a lot of things that are not acceptable to me as a fan and a lover of Manchester United. You have to represent the badge. I've seen a lot of things where players didn't act in the right way.' Comparing the team to the one he played for under Alex Ferguson, he added: 'Everywhere we travelled, whether in Europe or Asia, we respected the fans. We respected the fact that they came and paid money to see us, to get an autograph or to take pictures. You have to respect that.' Both players are in their early 20s, and perhaps immaturity played a role here. However, this also raises a larger question: Is this simply youthful folly, or does it point to deeper issues within the club, one that stems from a lack of leadership in the ranks? Another key question is: If this had happened in England, one would expect media backlash and the players would likely face fines or other disciplinary action. Why was this standard not upheld when such disrespectful gestures were directed at Asian fans? United have said that the middle finger gesture was in response to 'serious personal abuse' but have they conducted their own investigation, or have they taken Amad's word for it? They claim to love the adulation from Asia but their actions – or lack of it – speaks louder. Everyone is cognisant that these Asian tours, including the July 23-27 Singapore Festival of Football featuring Serie A giants AC Milan and Premier League clubs Arsenal and Newcastle, are driven primarily by revenue. And while these tours are cash cows for the clubs and a chance to grow their brand, for the fans it is a rare opportunity to see their favourite players up close without having to pay a premium to travel to Europe. Their support cannot be taken for granted. So when a player flips the finger at supporters, it is not just an insult to an individual but a slap in the face to the entire fan base. And while clubs chase profits, they must not forget the respect for fans. Money talks in football, but there has to be a line where business ends and basic decency begins. Passion cannot be monetised indefinitely and dismissive attitudes cannot be explained away as public relation missteps. The actions of Garnacho and Amad will no doubt sting for a while, but it provides a critical opportunity for reflection and education – for the players involved, their clubs, commercial partners, and stakeholders in the community. We cannot afford to let incidents like this pass without accountability, or fans will choose to vote with their feet. Deepanraj Ganesan is a sports journalist at The Straits Times focusing on football, athletics, combat sports and policy-related news. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Straits Times
City midfielder Kovacic out of Club World Cup after Achilles surgery
City midfielder Kovacic out of Club World Cup after Achilles surgery MANCHESTER, England - Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic will miss the FIFA Club World Cup after undergoing surgery to repair an Achilles tendon injury, the Premier League club said on Monday. The Croatian has been hampered by the injury for a while and sat out last month's 1-0 FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. "Mateo will spend the summer rehabilitating from the operation and everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery," the club said in a statement. The 31-year-old was not included in the squad for Croatia's World Cup qualifiers against Gibraltar on June 6 and the Czech Republic on June 9. Kovacic scored seven goals in 42 appearances for City this past season across all competitions. City kick off their Club World Cup campaign in the United States on June 18 against Wydad AC. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
CNA
15 hours ago
- CNA
City midfielder Kovacic out of Club World Cup after Achilles surgery
MANCHESTER, England :Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic will miss the FIFA Club World Cup after undergoing surgery to repair an Achilles tendon injury, the Premier League club said on Monday. The Croatian has been hampered by the injury for a while and sat out last month's 1-0 FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. "Mateo will spend the summer rehabilitating from the operation and everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery," the club said in a statement. The 31-year-old was not included in the squad for Croatia's World Cup qualifiers against Gibraltar on June 6 and the Czech Republic on June 9. Kovacic scored seven goals in 42 appearances for City this past season across all competitions.
