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Man Utd must back Ruben Amorim and keep Bruno Fernandes – David Beckham

The Portuguese head coach succeeded Erik ten Hag at the United helm in November.

By contributor Simon Peach, PA Chief Football Writer, Bilbao
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David Beckham leaves the stands during a League One match at Birmingham in September
David Beckham, pictured, has backed “very good manager” Ruben Amorim (Nick Potts/PA)

David Beckham says Manchester United have to back Ruben Amorim this summer and expressed discomfort at the idea of selling valuable assets like Bruno Fernandes to aid their overhaul.

The Portuguese head coach succeeded Erik ten Hag in November of what has turned into the club’s worst-ever Premier League campaign, with the Red Devils 16th on a measly 39 points with just one top-flight game to go.

But Wednesday’s Europa League final against Tottenham offers the opportunity to salvage something from the season, with silverware and valuable Champions League qualification up for grabs in Bilbao.

It would provide a much-needed boost in terms of morale and finance for a club that Beckham hopes will support “very good manager” Amorim to “make the changes that he needs to make”.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim gestures on the touchline
Ruben Amorim, pictured, succeeded Erik ten Hag in November (Bradley Collyer/PA)

“I think Ruben definitely needs to be backed in bringing in the players he wants, but I actually don’t know how possible it is,” the former United and England midfielder told The Athletic.

“I don’t speak to (minority owner Sir) Jim (Ratcliffe) that often, only from time to time.

“Ruben needs to be backed as a manager to bring in his team and his philosophy; he’s trying that already but I think once he brings his team in and his players, then you’ll see something different.”

United have been strongly linked to a variety of players, with long-standing target Matheus Cunha reportedly set to join from Wolves as they eye other summer moves.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes holds his arms out during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge
Bruno Fernandes, pictured, has been labelled “exceptional” by Beckham (Bradley Collyer/PA)

But the Red Devils are tightening their belt and having to comply with profitability and sustainability rules, leading to talk over potential exits.

United captain Fernandes has been linked with a move to Saudi club Al-Hilal, while speculation continues over academy graduates Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo given they represent pure profit.

“I’d like to think you wouldn’t have to sell your captain,” Beckham said. “He has been exceptional.

“We’ve all been critical at times of some United players – but when we needed someone to step up, he has done it.

“I also hate (the idea of) any young player who has grown up at United leaving the club. We shouldn’t be selling players purely for financial reasons.”

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