Amorim quizzed on Bruno's future

The Reds captain played the first half of the 3-1 victory over Hong Kong, China in the second of our post-season friendlies, before the entire side was replaced at the interval.

Ruben has reiterated he thinks his fellow countryman wants to remain with the club he has graced since joining in 2020, picking up the fourth of his Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards earlier this month.

See what the head coach said at his press conference on Friday...

When asked if it was Bruno's last game for the Reds, Amorim replied: "I don't think so. I don't know for sure. Nobody knows but I don't think so. He's seen us taking some actions to change all the things. I think that is all he asks.

"I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things but he chose that he wants to win. I think he's really good and he needs to be on the best league in the world."

And, when it was put to the boss if the club could afford to turn down a lucrative bid for the skipper, Ruben stated: "Yes, we can find another way to win money."

Obviously, Amorim has spoken with our inspirational midfielder about the situation and reiterated his hope, and belief, that Bruno will be wearing the armband again when we kick off 2025/26.

"Of course, I'm the manager, I'm the coach," he added. "Sometimes, it's the decision of the player.

"Of course, I talk with him. I explain things and I just have that feeling, when you talk to someone, you have the feeling if they want to stay.

"Sometimes, after lots of games this season, he was so frustrated but he knows what we are doing.

"The feeling I have, every time I speak to him, is he wants to continue with Manchester United, for sure. But you never know."

The boss also talked about what follows, as he has a clear idea for how the squad will shape up, following any transfer business in the summer.

"I can do the work without being at Carrington," he explained. "I will stay in Manchester for a while, even for the kids to be there in the schools so they don't forget their English. I will be near in this moment because I want to and I cannot disconnect now. I will have to deal with some things and then rest a little bit. It's hard to disconnect but I will rest for a while.

"Yes, I have a clear idea and we have a clear idea of what we want, of course. You know we are a little bit limited and can't do everything in one summer. But we have a clear picture of what we want. We are working on that for a while so let's wait and see. Of course, we have a clear picture of what we want for next season."

The boss feels all of the playing staff are aware of their responsibilities over the close season and also stressed he would like to return with the squad to Hong Kong in the future.

"I was a football player and, when you are a football player, you can disconnect," he said. "They know we underperformed badly this season. 

"The important thing for me is the body composition, the weight. They need to be ready. We have to use every minute in every week of pre-season. We need to be in shape and these small things, they have all the measures, we had a briefing about that. It's the only way to take action to be better next season. They know and everybody knows next year is going to be massive for everybody.

"I have been sending the message every week. They know next year, and I think that is clear, that we need to be so much better."

In terms of coming back to the country again at some point in the future, Ruben was clear with his thoughts on that matter.

"I think it would be so much fun [here] if we have good results, if we win titles," he explained. "I'd like to come here as we really enjoy the people, they're really lovely and really respectful. We are really grateful to everybody. We want to return with more time but with more titles and better results and more people watching the games."