Amorim's 5-word reply about Bruno Fernando after Keane labelled him an 'imposter'

Ruben Amorim has firmly backed Bruno Fernandes, stating that his opinion on the club captain is more significant than that of former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane.

Keane recently delivered a harsh critique of Fernandes' leadership on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, questioning his influence and branding some United supporters as "imposters" for backing the Portuguese playmaker.

"I see fans at matches singing for Bruno. I look at these boys and think, you're imposters!" Keane said. "Talent is not enough. Bruno is a talented player, but talent alone won’t cut it."

However, Amorim was quick to stand by Fernandes when asked about Keane’s remarks in his Friday press conference.

"I have a different opinion," Amorim asserted. "Bruno is really important for us. He’s special to me, and he’s performing well in a difficult context. He always takes responsibility."

Addressing criticism of Fernandes' on-field gestures, Amorim suggested they stem from frustration rather than a lack of leadership.

"As a captain, he moves his arms a lot, and sometimes it looks like he's criticizing teammates. But I think it’s mostly frustration from the past few years. He wants to win, and that passion can be hard to contain," he explained.

While acknowledging Keane’s high standards from his own playing days, Amorim made it clear where his stance stands.

"Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Roy Keane has big expectations, and that’s normal. But I have the opposite opinion, and mine is more important because I’m the coach. And I think Bruno is doing well."

Amorim also addressed Alejandro Garnacho’s controversial exit down the tunnel after being substituted in United’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town.

The Argentine winger was replaced in the 44th minute following Patrick Dorgu’s red card, with Noussair Mazraoui coming on in his place. The decision was met with boos from the Old Trafford crowd as Garnacho went straight down the tunnel.

"He came to me the next day in my office," Amorim revealed. "I did some investigating, and he went to the dressing room to change his clothes because he was wet. He watched the game from a different spot, not the bench, but he still watched."

The United boss insisted there was no deeper issue but emphasized the importance of perception at a club of United’s stature.

"I told him that at Manchester United, everything matters. Perception is important at a big club. So, he’s going to pay for a team dinner, and that’s the end of it."

Amorim also defended goalkeeper Andre Onana, who came under fire for his role in both of Ipswich’s goals. A miscommunication with Patrick Dorgu led to Ipswich’s opener, while Onana’s response to the second goal was also widely criticized.

"Last year, he had some tough moments, but this season, he has made some great saves for us," Amorim said. "Sometimes mistakes happen, but that’s normal. If you look at our team, many players are struggling because we’re not performing well collectively."

Regarding Ipswich’s second goal, Amorim explained:

"People talk about that moment a lot. He was waiting for Delap’s shot, and when the ball continued toward goal, he was caught out. That can happen. We have to support Andre like we do all our players, forget about the past, and focus on the future."

As United navigate a turbulent season, Amorim remains committed to standing by his key players while reinforcing the standards required at the club.