Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim understands he can count on Bruno Fernandes to deliver when necessary, but he hopes his captain would have a little more faith in his teammates.

Fernandes is a player who faces both criticism and praise in equal measure.

His leadership came under fire from former United captain Gary Neville following a dismal 7-0 defeat to Liverpool in March 2023.

More recently, legendary captain Roy Keane has also taken aim at Fernandes’ performances, bluntly challenging those who claim the current challenging season would be worse without him by asking, “how much worse could it be?”

Currently, United sits in 14th place, on track for their worst league finish since being relegated in the 1973-74 season.

Despite this, Fernandes stands out as the team’s top scorer with 15 goals, while none of his teammates have reached double digits.

This season, he has scored in 12 matches, having a crucial impact in eight of those games by transforming losses into draws and draws into victories.

“When we need him, he’s always there,” Amorim remarked. “He can advance the ball and score goals.

“He is an ideal captain for our team, and we need to support him in his quest for titles.”

In just the past month, Fernandes has been pivotal for his team. He scored the goal that earned them a respectable draw against Arsenal, netted an equalizer in an FA Cup match against Fulham—though they ultimately lost in penalties—and delivered a stunning free-kick that reignited their chances in a match at Everton that looked lost.

His latest contribution helped rescue his team after they fell behind to Sociedad, as they knew that only a win would keep their hopes of securing a trophy this season and a European spot for next year alive.

“Over the last six to seven weeks, he has been outstanding,” former United midfielder Paul Scholes commented on TNT Sports. “He’s playing a bit deeper these days rather than occupying the number 10 role.”

“He’s really carrying the team towards achieving some success.”

Another of Fernandes’ strengths is his remarkable durability; among United’s outfield players, only his fellow Portuguese, Diogo Dalot, has made more appearances than his 43 this season.

However, Amorim points out a flaw in Fernandes’ game.

He often disrupts the team’s shape by leaving his position in search of the ball.

Amorim believes that the solution must come from within.

“We know that he sometimes feels frustrated,” he explained. “He has a strong desire to win, and when things aren’t going well, he tends to change positions and pursue the ball.

“At times, he needs to have more faith in his teammates.”