Amorim lauds ‘leader’ Fernandes after connection with Cunha inspires pre-season win

Manchester United’s pre-season preparations have begun with a much-needed shot of optimism, as new manager Ruben Amorim secured his first unofficial victory, praising captain Bruno Fernandes as the linchpin of his rebuilding efforts. The Portuguese midfielder played a pivotal role in the win, forging an impressive early connection with new signing Matheus Cunha, a partnership that promises to inject much-needed dynamism into the squad. Following what has been widely described as a hellish 2024/25 season, the importance of a strong start to the new campaign, even in exhibition matches, cannot be overstated. Amorim’s immediate post-match comments underscored the critical value he places on Fernandes, signalling the captain's centrality to his strategic vision.

The pre-season encounter, held under favourable conditions, saw United demonstrate glimpses of the attacking fluidity Amorim aims to implement. The decisive moment arrived midway through the second half when Bruno Fernandes, operating in a deeper yet influential role, threaded a sublime pass through the opposition defence. His vision picked out Matheus Cunha’s intelligent run, allowing the Brazilian forward to finish clinically and secure the win. Beyond the assist, Fernandes’s presence was palpable throughout the ninety minutes; his trademark intensity, vocal leadership, and relentless work rate set the tone for a team desperate to rediscover its identity. The chemistry between Fernandes and Cunha was particularly encouraging, suggesting that the new arrival could be the perfect foil for United’s creative heartbeat, alleviating some of the attacking burden that often fell solely on Fernandes in previous seasons. This nascent partnership offers a tantalizing preview of what Amorim hopes will become a potent attacking force.