Manchester United star proved he is perfect for Ruben Amorim in Liverpool FC draw
Ruben Amorim saw an improved performance from his Man Utd players in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool FC.
"They (players) are sometimes afraid on the pitch. We need the leaders to step up to help the other guys. Sometimes they are too anxious and too afraid to play football because this is a difficult moment."
Ruben Amorim didn't hold back ahead of Manchester United's trip to face Liverpool at the weekend. In the biggest games, the biggest players step up and make a difference. It hasn't been the case enough this season, but it was at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
A lot of grit was needed to get the game on in the first place, and an equal amount was required on the pitch as Ruben Amorim's side dug deep to subdue the Premier League leaders and so nearly beat them on their patch. It tells a story on its own that United now go into games against Liverpool as such unfavoured outsiders and there is a fine balance between celebrating a deserved point and ensuring they raise the standards and reverse the underdog mentality.
Bruno Fernandes is well aware of the challenge. After his impressive individual performance, he did not bask in the limelight, instead admitting he felt 'upset' that the level of fight displayed had not been shown more often this season. United had no issues finding motivation for away trips to face Man City and Liverpool, but have been comfortably beaten by Bournemouth and Wolves in between.
The 30-year-old has already warned he is worried about the potential banana skin of facing Southampton at home in the Premier League, another one of those tricky tests in which complacency could be an issue against a side that looks destined to drop back down to the Championship. If they don't win that one, the point gained at Anfield will quickly be forgotten.
These are the standards Amorim demands of his players, they are perfectly aligned with the standards Fernandes asks of himself daily. It is why the Portugal international is still the club captain and a key figure of the United side under another permanent manager.
He faced questions over his suitability under Erik ten Hag and again once Amorim arrived, with Fernandes not viewed as the archetypal star of either of their respective tactical approaches. Yet, even though he isn't perfect, he is still as important as ever. He is not only a leader but a risk-taker and constant attacking threat. In the blink of an eye, he can turn the game in his favour and often makes a difference when others go into hiding.
It is that hunger to win and ability to win the game on his own that continue to make him untouchable in the United line up and a player they need to have on the pitch whenever possible. Amorim might not have lots of leaders, but he at least has one.