Man Utd news: Bruno Fernandes returns early from Portugal duty amid Ruben Amorim warning
Ruben Amorim has arrived at Manchester United, and Erik ten Hag's successor in the dugout is moving ever closer to his first match in charge against Ipswich Town
by Tom Victor · The MirrorManchester United's Ruben Amorim era has begun, but there is still a week to go before the new head coach takes charge of his first match.
Amorim arrived on November 11 and has been getting to know his new working environment. While some members of his squad are still away on international duty, others have stayed home and are preparing to give the new man reason to include them against Ipswich Town on November 24.
United could find themselves back in the top half of the Premier League table if they taste victory in Amorim's first match. They currently sit down in 13th, but are only three points adrift of fourth-place Fulham and only four behind Chelsea in third.
Amorim will have the benefit of at least one early return as he prepares to decide on his first starting XI for United. That's one of Mirror Football's latest lines from around Old Trafford.
Fernandes returns early
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has allowed Bruno Fernandes to return to Manchester United early after Portugal sealed top spot in their UEFA Nations League group. The same luxury has been granted to his fellow Premier League stars Pedro Neto and Bernardo Silva, as well as Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fernandes was among the goals as Portugal hammered Poland 5-1 in Porto on Friday. That win, coupled with Croatia's defeat in Scotland, means Portugal will top the group even if they are beaten by Croatia in their final group game.
Portugal are guaranteed to be seeded for the Nations League quarter-finals, as are fellow group winners Spain. The two-legged quarter-finals will take place in March, with the semis and finals in June.
Amorim's warning
Manchester United's new head coach Ruben Amorim was asked about five of the club's talented youngsters in his first interview with MUTV. Amorim is young for a manager at 39, and feels those in their teens and early 20s - Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Leny Yoro and Amad - are already in position to perform at a high level and shouldn't use their youth as an excuse.
What would represent a successful season for Ruben Amorim? Have your say in the comments section
"I don’t want to say that we need time because we are a young team," Amorim said. "They are prepared. They are prepared to cope with the demands of playing for Manchester United. They should be because they are here.
"We know it will take time and we will try to win time with the games. But we have to start since day one without fear, without thinking that they are not used to playing like this. This is not on my mind. They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what. That’s the goal."
Casemiro on unwanted list
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has had a tough few months, and new stats don't make for pleasant reading for the Brazilian. The former Real Madrid star is one of only a handful of outfield players in the Premier League to make more than one mistake leading to a goal throughout the first 11 gameweeks of the season.
The former Real Madrid star is joined on two such errors by Brentford's Ethan Pinnock, Aston Villa's Diego Carlos and Crystal Palace's summer signing Trevoh Chalobah. Two goalkeepers also have two such errors, while two more - Chelsea stopper Robert Sanchez and Ipswich's Aro Muric - lead the way with three.
Casemiro has started United's last four matches after being taken out of the firing line for the draw with Aston Villa in October. With Kobbie Mainoo working his way back from injury, though, it remains to be seen whether he is part of Ruben Amorim's preferred pairing going forward.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£46 (was £56)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.