Ruben Amorim breaks silence on Bruno Fernandes substitution in 3-2 Forest loss after fans slam ‘diabolical’ decision
RUBEN AMORIM has explained his decision to take off Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United’s defeat to Nottingham Forest.
The Red Devils – who have sensationally parted ways with sporting director Dan Ashworth – were beaten 3-2 at Old Trafford last night to leave them 13th in the Premier League table.
United were trailing 3-1 with an hour left to play when Fernandes halved the deficit with a brilliant strike.
But just 15 minutes later, the skipper was hauled off and replaced by Mason Mount.
Amorim, who used all five of his changes, explained: “I understand that Bruno is a danger near the box and he scored one goal.
“But he was tired in transition.
“We had one stop with two substitutions [remaining].
“We could have left Bruno Fernandes there, but I felt with Mason Mount, he is also good in set-pieces and he can score because he is very technical.
“We needed fresh legs and if you see the game – transitions.
“We can lose the ball and if you suffer another goal it was over.
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“So I used all the substitutions with a lot of games, I felt that Bruno was a little bit tired.
“I tried to put Mount and Joshua Zirkzee nearer to Rasmus Hojlund to try something in the end.”
Some supporters were still unhappy with the change, with one commenting: “For the record, Bruno is never tired. That guy can play another additional 90 mins.”
Another wrote: “The subs were a mistake. You got this wrong.”
More said: “That sub was diabolical.”
United are back in action on Thursday against Vikroria Plzen and they then face Manchester City in the derby next Sunday.