Cafes, Camaraderie, and Controversy: Bruno Fernandes Turns Intermediary as Amorim Edges Out
7 January 2026
Bruno Fernandes was the nexus between Amorim and the rest of the players.
Late-night cafe meeting and the sacking fallout
A press report on Wednesday described a murky meeting between Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United's star, and Rubén Amorim's assistant, just after a training session.
According to the Daily Mail, Bruno enjoyed coffee with Carlos Fernandes, Amorim's aide, late Tuesday, a day after the Portuguese coach was dismissed, sparking wide debate.
Amorim was sacked early Monday, less than 24 hours after he publicly blasted Old Trafford's management following a frantic 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road.
What happened next
Sources say Amorim's departure puzzled the group, with Fernandes seen leaving the training base smiling and joking with his staff, including Carlos Fernandes.
The camp fell silent after the move, though the Sporting CP alumnus had smiled at photographers on his own dismissal day.
Meanwhile, photos showed Carlos Fernandes, who also left his role as United's assistant, exiting a cafe with club captain Bruno Fernandes.
The duo, both Portuguese, were spotted leaving a cafe late on Tuesday, with Fernandes trying to dodge cameras by pulling his grey hood over his head.
Amorim reportedly missed his captain and 'main ally' in the closing weeks of his tenure at Old Trafford, after the 31-year-old Fernandes suffered a knee injury at Aston Villa before Christmas.
It is believed the blow intensified matters at Carrington, as Fernandes had been the vital link between Amorim and the rest of the squad— a link that was suddenly absent.
AFP
Punchline 1: If coffee diplomacy were a sport, Bruno would be chasing a latte-chase trophy.
Punchline 2: When your captain becomes your coffee buddy, you know the tactics are brewing something strong.
