In the past month alone, it was Fernandes who scored his side’s goal in their creditable draw with Arsenal, their equaliser in an FA Cup tie with Fulham they ended up losing on penalties and the superb free-kick that dragged United back into a game at Everton they seemed destined to lose.
Fernandes’ latest intervention rescued his team, who had fallen behind against Sociedad, knowing only victory could keep alive their hopes of winning a trophy this season and securing a European place next term.
“Over this last six-to-seven weeks he’s been brilliant,” said former United midfielder Paul Scholes on TNT Sports. “He’s playing a bit deeper these days rather than that 10 role.
“He’s carrying this team to a little bit of success.”
Fernandes’ other quality is that he is hardly ever injured.
Of United’s outfield players, only fellow Portuguese Diogo Dalot has made more than his 43 appearances this season.
Yet Amorim says Fernandes has a flaw.
Too often, he wrecks United’s team shape by vacating his position in a search for possession.
Amorim feels the answer has to come from within.
“We know that sometimes he is frustrated,” he said. “We know he wants to win so badly and when things are not going well, he is changing position and going after the ball.
“Sometimes he needs to trust his team-mates.”
