Bruno Fernandes admits what Man United players did that made Ruben Amorim ‘very upset’

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Ruben Amorim could only shake his head in disappointment at Manchester United’s first-half display against Everton.

If Ruben Amorim was expecting a bounce-back after the Tottenham defeat, he got the complete opposite from Manchester United’s first 45 minutes at Goodison Park.

Amorim said United “did not exist” in the first half, with Everton taking a deserved 2-0 lead into the break.

It seemed the Red Devils were destined for another defeat, but Amorim rallied his players at half-time and inspired a second-half comeback led by captain Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes dropped into a deeper role that allowed him to dictate play and control the match. It was his well-taken free-kick that sparked a reaction from United, and Manuel Ugarte salvaged a point with his first goal in red.

How Man United players ‘upset’ Ruben Amorim

All eyes were on Amorim at the half-time whistle. It was the players who failed to perform, yet the responsibility to turn things around falls on the shoulders of the head coach.

Amorim’s half-time team talk focused on sticking to the game plan rather than making radical changes. It was a surprise to see no changes made during the break, but it was a bold decision that paid off. If players needed a reason to trust Amorim’s game plan, that was it.

After the comeback was completed, Fernandes gave insight into United’s half-time talk.

“We had to stick to the plan, that’s what the manager was very upset with us [about].

“In the second half we stuck to our ideas and played with much more freedom and movement.”

In a separate interview, Fernandes added: “When you are in the dressing room at half-time after a game like this, you just have to focus on yourself and try to lift your standard and your game to try to get something from the game.

“Obviously, it was very tough for us in the first half because we were trying to do the things but it wasn’t working out in the way that we wanted.”

Ruben Amorim suffers same fate as Erik ten Hag

It has been made extremely clear that Amorim will not change his tactics – he was brought in to implement a clear style of play and he is rightly sticking to his philosophy regardless of results.

However, players still seem hesitant to follow Amorim’s instructions. Results so far certainly haven’t inspired confidence, but an improved second-half performance against Everton provided a glimpse into what Amorim wants.

Alarming reports have claimed that United players have complained about Amorim’s tactics, and he certainly wouldn’t be the first manager to suffer that fate.

READ MORE: ‘The worst part is…’ Ruben Amorim lays into Man Utd team with brutal one-word verdict on Everton draw

Erik ten Hag also received concerns about his style of play to the point where the Dutchman shifted his game plan to try and accommodate players. Amorim cannot afford to make that same mistake.

If players refuse to adjust or are unable to adapt, they should be shown the exit.