Ruben Amorim stressed Manchester United "need more Brunos" after Bruno Fernandes scored his 13th goal of the season in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Fernandes struck United's first attempt on target in the second minute of added time in the first half to put United ahead and he had a glorious chance in the 93rd minute to win the match.
The 30-year-old is United's top scorer again this season and seemingly a shoo-in to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for the fourth time. Only Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea have received the accolade on four occasions.
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Fernandes has been United's best signing of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, having arrived from Sporting for a fee rising to £67.7million in January 2020. He was officially appointed club captain in July 2023 and, after failing to score in the first 13 games of the season, Fernandes has regained his influential form and Amorim lauded his character, as well as his quality.
“I think he steps up all the time," Amorim said. "Sometimes he can show some frustration in some moments that can hurt him more than anybody, and I understand that. It’s that frustration that he wants to win.
"But he’s also always available, always there to play in different positions. Sometimes when we need a goal, a free kick, an assist, he’s always there. I think he’s a very good example, he does some mistakes but he’s a very good example for other players.
“I think any coach, when he wants to bring players in, he expects the best. But sometimes they have to adapt and sometimes you have luck with the character of the player even with all the investigations that all the coaches do before signing players.
"What I can say is that we need more Brunos. That is clear. Not just the quality, the character - not some mistakes - but the character he has. The availability in this league is so important and he’s so decisive with the ball and without the ball."
United led until Declan Rice equalised in the 74th minute after Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee failed to convert presentable chances at 1-0. Rasmus Hojlund's slow reaction was another big chance missed at 1-1 before Fernandes was foiled by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
The result marked United's third consecutive 1-1 draw ahead of their Europa League round of 16 second leg against Real Sociedad on Thursday and Amorim was content with the performance.
"The spirit to follow the plan, to be together, that is a good thing, we have to use this as an example for the future," Amorim stressed. "I think the plan was perfect.
"We have to have more possession of the ball, more control of the ball to press a little bit high. We press sometimes, especially the goal kicks and free kicks near Raya’s goal, we press quite well.
"But in the future, I want to play a different football, to spend more time attacking with the ball in the last third than defending in the low block. The rest is an example and people appreciate the effort of the players."
