Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has offered an insight into his relationship with Ruben Amorim and admitted: "I wouldn't say we are quite close."
Fernandes has stepped up for United over the last couple of weeks, scoring twice and adding one assist in his last three Premier League matches. The 30-year-old netted a sublime 25-yard free-kick for United during their 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag as United's new permanent head coach in November, Fernandes has been an almost ever-present, starting 25 of his 26 games at the helm. In fact, the only game Fernandes missed was when he served a one-match suspension against Newcastle.
READ MORE: 'It doesn't look good' - Man United receive new red card verdict after Arsenal incident
READ MORE: Man United have the next Wayne Rooney in their club ranks - the striker is a menace
Although Fernandes has been firm fixture in Amorim's side and is United's captain, the pair are not as close as you might expect. That's according to the Portugal midfielder himself, who has opened up on his relationship with the 40-year-old United boss, who joined the club from Sporting CP.
When asked about what it's like to work alongside Amorim, Fernandes told CBS Sports: "I wouldn't say we are quite close, we don't speak that much to be honest. He's a manager that is quiet, he likes to have a talk here and here but he doesn't with everyone.
"Being the captain, most of the things he wants to pass to the team comes through me. But other times it doesn't come from him, it comes from his staff or his team manager or whatever. Obviously we have a good relationship but I wouldn't say it's different from any other player.
"He's someone that I knew the things he was doing at Sporting because I was watching Sporting play in Portugal but wasn't someone I knew personally. I met him once when I went to a Sporting game and that was the only time I met him: it was a 'hello and a goodbye'.
"I knew the way Sporting was playing and knew the fans were excited, the players were happy with him at the club. We all saw in the last game with him how much together the staff and the players had in that time. Me and my teammates and the staff including the manager want to recreate that and winning trophies too."
Meanwhile, following United's draw with Arsenal on Sunday, Amorim praised Fernandes for his impact and producing some fine individual moments in recent times.
In his post-match press conference, Amorim said: "I think [Fernandes] steps up all the time. Sometimes he can show frustration in moments, and that can hurt him more than anybody. But he wants to win, he is always available and always ready to play in different positions.
"When the team needs a goal or an assist, he is always there and always sets a good example. Any coach, when you want to bring players, expect the best. But sometimes you have to adapt. What I can say is that we need more Brunos, not just the character, but his availability and ability with the ball."
