I felt a lit bit a lack of energy but they gave everything. Some players were tired, with the Ayden [Heaven] problem. We controlled the game. We could be better with the ball but I understand from these two weeks with a lot of games.

Fernandes had watched hours of Amorim’s Sporting as a boyhood fan of the club, and it has paid off – his form since the change of management has been incredible. But while Amorim did know Fernandes already, he has admitted that one thing did surprise him about the United captain.

Ruben Amorim has said Manchester United "need to help" Bruno Fernandes win trophies after the Portuguese midfielder scored a hat trick to earn a place in the last eight of the Europa League.