Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim expressed optimism on Friday that club captain Bruno Fernandes will remain at Old Trafford, despite growing speculation about a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Fernandes, 30, led United in their 3-1 comeback victory against Hong Kong, where teenage substitute Chido Obi made headlines with a second-half brace.
Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag mid-season and oversaw a disappointing 15th-place Premier League finish, faces a crucial off-season. One of his main concerns is retaining Fernandes, who is reportedly being targeted by Saudi giants Al Hilal.
Speaking after the match, Amorim was asked if Fernandes had played his final game for United. “I don’t think so,” he replied. “I can’t say for sure, but I believe he wants to stay. He sees us making changes and taking action, and I think that matters to him.”
The Portuguese manager added, “I’ve spoken to him. Sometimes, you can just feel it in a conversation, my impression is that he wants to be here.”
United endured a rough start in Hong Kong, coming off a dismal showing in Malaysia where they were booed off the pitch. They trailed at halftime after a goal from Juninho, a Brazil-born forward who capitalized on an error by United’s stand-in goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
But momentum shifted in the second half. Obi equalized with a sharp turn and finish just five minutes after the restart, then added a second with a well-placed header in the 82nd minute. Ayden Heaven sealed the result with a late goal, giving United a much-needed lift as they concluded their Asian tour.
Fernandes impressed during the first half before being substituted. Alejandro Garnacho also featured from the start despite rumors of a potential exit from the club. Regulars Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund completed the starting lineup in a match played in slippery conditions due to persistent rain.
Fernandes and Garnacho stood out early on but couldn’t convert their dominance into goals. Fernandes missed a golden opportunity when clean through on goal, opting for flair over efficiency.
Amad Diallo, who had recently made headlines for an inappropriate gesture toward fans in Kuala Lumpur, came off the bench alongside Obi as Amorim rang the changes after halftime.
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