Amorim Calls for More Players Like Fernandes as Arsenal's Title Hopes Fade

Posted : 10 March 2025

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim emphasized the need for more players with the quality and character of captain Bruno Fernandes following his stunning free-kick in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal. Despite facing criticism for his leadership, including being labeled an "imposter" by Roy Keane, Fernandes has remained a standout performer in an otherwise disappointing season for United.

His goal against Arsenal marked his 12th of the season, making him the team's top scorer, with the injured Amad Diallo following behind on nine goals. Amorim highlighted Fernandes’ availability and decisive impact on the game, both with and without the ball, as qualities the team desperately needs more of.

Although United have struggled this season, they have shown resilience against stronger opponents, drawing with league leaders Liverpool, knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup, and securing a victory against Manchester City. However, their inconsistency against lower-ranked teams has left them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table.

Despite setting up defensively against Arsenal with only 30 percent possession, Amorim insisted he does not want United to play a defensive style in the long run. He expressed his vision of a more attacking approach, where the team spends more time controlling possession in the final third rather than defending deep.

For Arsenal, Declan Rice’s goal 16 minutes from time salvaged a point and prevented them from going three consecutive league games without scoring. However, their title challenge now looks bleak, as Liverpool sits 15 points ahead. Even if Arsenal were to win all their remaining matches, Liverpool would only need 16 points from their last nine games to secure the title.

Mikel Arteta admitted the frustration of failing to win against United, emphasizing the urgency of winning every match to keep their slim hopes alive. Despite Rice’s late intervention and David Raya’s crucial double save to deny Fernandes, Arsenal nearly fell to defeat, underlining their struggles in recent games.

Arteta was particularly disappointed with how his team performed after equalizing, believing they should have pushed for a victory rather than allowing United opportunities to strike back. He criticized the team for poor execution of basic plays, which could have cost them the game.

While Arsenal created chances to win, Arteta admitted that Raya’s heroics ultimately saved them from defeat. With the title race slipping away, the Gunners now face an uphill battle to remain competitive as the season nears its conclusion.

Amorim Calls for More Players Like Fernandes as Arsenal's Title Hopes Fade

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