Bruno Fernandes admits 'feeling' Amorim's tactics are 'not working'

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has hinted at underlying issues within the squad following growing criticism of Ruben Amorim’s tactical approach.

His comments come as pundits question whether the Portuguese coach’s rigid 3-4-2-1 formation is at the heart of United’s struggles.

Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford has been far from smooth. In his first 23 games, he has secured just 10 wins while suffering nine defeats, leaving him with a modest 43.48% win rate.

Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town provided some much-needed relief, easing fears of a potential relegation scrap—an unthinkable scenario for a club of United’s stature.

However, doubts persist over Amorim’s insistence on a tactical system that many believe does not suit the squad’s strengths.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Fernandes acknowledged that players sometimes question the approach but remain committed to executing the manager’s instructions.

"Me and H (Harry Maguire) have been here for a while already, so we know we have to stick to what we’ve been training and what we’re supposed to do," Fernandes said. "It could feel at times that it’s not working, but for some reason, the manager wants us to do that. They watch so many games and prepare for our matches with great detail."

"We just have to show confidence, be braver, and express our qualities on the pitch," he added.

Fernandes’ comments come on the heels of sharp criticism from former United midfielder Paul Scholes and ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson.

Scholes suggested that cracks were already forming in Amorim’s tenure, while reports revealed the financial implications of dismissing him so soon. Despite concerns, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group remain firmly behind their manager, believing it’s too early to judge him solely on results.

Merson, however, was far more blunt in his assessment, claiming Amorim’s refusal to adapt is actively harming the team.

"Ruben Amorim is the problem at Manchester United," Merson told Sky Sports. "The three-at-the-back system isn’t working. So, change it. He’s not helping the players; he’s helping himself by sticking with what he’s used to."

"Top managers are flexible. If your system doesn’t fit your squad, you adjust until you can bring in your players. But right now, they need to play differently because they won’t beat Real Sociedad in the Europa League playing like this," he warned.

Merson also suggested that Amorim’s job is likely safe due to financial constraints. However, he fears the manager’s tactical rigidity is setting the squad up for repeated failure.

"They don’t have the money to start over. But we all know this team can’t play three at the back—it’s chaotic. They don’t have the legs in midfield, so change it. Amorim keeps sending these players out to fail," Merson added.

Following the Ipswich victory, Amorim remained defiant, expressing satisfaction with his team’s effort.

"Today, I’m not frustrated. Of course, mistakes happen, but I felt the players were trying to play the right way from the start," he told TNT Sports. "The red card changed the game, but the fight the guys showed, with the help of our fans, made us deserve the three points."

While Amorim remains committed to his tactical vision, he will need to make key squad adjustments this summer to ensure his system works more effectively next season.

One player struggling for game time under Amorim is Mason Mount. The £55m signing from Chelsea has made just 33 appearances for United, scoring only once. Recent reports suggested a move to Serie A could be on the horizon, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has dismissed the speculation, stating that Amorim still sees Mount as a key part of his plans.

Meanwhile, United could see a financial boost from Mason Greenwood’s potential transfer. The club inserted a 50% sell-on clause in his deal with Marseille, ensuring they would profit from any future sale.

While Barcelona has been linked with a €75m move, fresh reports from Spain suggest a return to the Premier League could be on the cards—potentially delivering a significant windfall for United.

Additionally, United are reportedly progressing in talks to sign Geovany Quenda, with a second deal involving Sporting Lisbon also in the works. If completed, the double transfer is expected to cost around £82.9m.

With Amorim under increasing scrutiny, the coming weeks will be crucial. His ability to adapt—or his refusal to—could define his tenure at Old Trafford. For now, the backing from the board remains, but as United’s struggles continue, pressure from fans and pundits alike is only growing.