Bruno Fernandes continues to back Ruben Amorim but has become “disillusioned” with INEOS | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes has thrown his full weight behind Ruben Amorim but the Manchester United captain is losing faith in the club’s executive structure, according to a report.

The Red Devils’ dismal season reached a depressing, but predictable, nadir last night as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the Europa League final against Premier League rival Tottenham Hotspur.

Victory would have rewarded United with a European trophy and automatic qualification into next year’s Champions League, along with the significant financial injection the competition provides – worth as much as £100 million in revenue.

Instead, the defeat leaves Amorim’s side with nothing other than 16th place in the Premier League ahead of the final match of the season against Aston Villa and zero prospect of European football next season.

It constitutes the club’s worst campaign in Premier League history with a host of (unwanted) records already broken in terms of points, losses, goals scored and final position.

Amorim is facing intense pressure over his position at Old Trafford after taking over from Erik ten Hag in November.

Last night’s loss in Bilbao has turned this up to fever pitch but a win would simply have been papering over Grand Canyon-sized cracks as United’s performances now are significantly worse than when the former Sporting manager arrived.

However, Fernandes, 30, shows no signs of losing faith in his head coach, stating he was certain Amorim is the “right man” in an emotional interview after the defeat to Spurs.

“I think [Amorim] is the right man without a shadow of a doubt. I don’t think what happened this season shows exactly what he is a manager. Obviously the results always talk louder, but I do think he is the right manager for the future of this club.”

Fernandes cut a despondent figure in the interview, even going as far to question his own future by suggesting the club could “cash in” on him if they felt it necessary.

A report by talkSPORT contends it is “highly unlikely” the Reds would exercise this option but it also reveals Fernandes, along with centre-back Harry Maguire, have “have become disillusioned with the United top brass.”

There has been no tangible improvement since INEOS assumed full control of the football operation at Old Trafford last year – on the pitch or off it.

And while changes at the executive level take time for the effects to filter down, the fact that two of the team’s most experienced players – both considered “untouchable” by Amorim – have lost faith in these senior figures is a deeply worrying development.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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