Bruno Fernandes Claims Ruben Amorim Ignored His Transfer Advice After Portugal’s Win Over Armenia 🇵🇹⚽
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has stirred debate in Portugal after revealing that his former Sporting Lisbon coach, Ruben Amorim, rejected his personal transfer advice during the summer window.
Speaking after Portugal’s 3–0 victory over Armenia in the Euro qualifiers, Fernandes admitted he had urged Amorim to sign one of his international teammates—only to see the suggestion dismissed in favour of another signing, Leon, a foreign recruit whose impact has so far been underwhelming.
Fernandes’s Recommendation
Fernandes, still closely tied to Portuguese football, explained:
“I advised Ruben to sign one of my international teammates during the transfer window. I know his quality; I see him every day in the national team, and he would have fitted perfectly into Ruben’s system.”
Although Fernandes declined to name the player, Portuguese media quickly speculated it could be one of the standout performers from Portugal’s Euro qualifying squad. His dazzling display against Armenia only reinforced Fernandes’s belief that Amorim missed a major opportunity.
Amorim’s Decision: Leon Instead
Amorim instead pressed ahead with signing Leon, a foreign reinforcement brought in during the summer. Fernandes didn’t mince words in his post-match comments:
“He refused and went ahead to sign Leon instead. I hope from his performance yesterday Amorim can see that I was right.”
Analysts have been quick to point out the contrast: Leon has yet to impress at club level, while the mystery Portuguese international looks like one of the Seleção’s brightest young talents.
Growing Tension?
Though Fernandes and Amorim have always kept a respectful public relationship, this revelation hints at underlying frustration. Some pundits suggest Fernandes’s comments may be a subtle dig at Amorim’s decision-making, particularly as Sporting have endured a slow domestic start.
If Leon continues to struggle while the Portuguese talent thrives, Amorim risks being judged harshly for ignoring his former captain’s advice—potentially damaging his reputation for smart recruitment.
Fan & Media Reaction
Supporters quickly took to social media, with most siding with Fernandes:
- “Bruno is right—Portuguese talent is world-class. Amorim missed out big time.”
- “Leon hasn’t shown anything. Amorim’s stubbornness could cost Sporting.”
- “Imagine if United had signed the player Bruno suggested!”
The Bigger Picture
Fernandes’s comments highlight a wider debate in Portuguese football: should clubs focus on developing homegrown stars or gamble on foreign imports? With Portugal’s national team thriving, every recruitment decision now faces greater scrutiny.
For Amorim, the pressure is mounting. If Leon fails to deliver while Fernandes’s recommended player continues to shine, this could go down as one of the most questioned calls of his Sporting tenur
