“Like manager, like midfielder?” — Ruben Amorim’s old ref rant has Bruno Fernandes written all over it(Video)

Social media has found its latest obsession, and this time it involves Manchester United’s fiery new boss, Ruben Amorim, and his captain, Bruno Fernandes. An old video of Amorim, back in his playing days, has resurfaced online, and fans can’t get enough of the striking similarities between the manager’s antics on the pitch and Bruno’s now-famous behavior at Old Trafford.

The clip shows Amorim passionately arguing with a referee during a match, his hands flying around in a flurry of animated gestures. At first glance, it seems like a normal heated football moment. But fans were quick to notice that his gestures — from the frantic pointing to the wide-eyed disbelief — were a perfect mirror of what Fernandes has made his trademark at United.

For years, Bruno has been at the center of debates in English football, not just for his creative brilliance and goals but also for his constant dialogue with referees. His hand gestures, his animated expressions, and his almost theatrical reactions have become part of the Premier League’s weekly entertainment. Now, it seems that Amorim himself laid the blueprint long before taking charge at Old Trafford.

Supporters wasted no time connecting the dots. Across X (formerly Twitter), memes flooded timelines. One joked, “Bruno must’ve studied at the Amorim Academy of Complaining,” while another quipped, “So this is where Bruno got his PhD in referee negotiations.” The jokes only gained traction as more fans replayed the clip side by side with Bruno’s usual matchday protests. The resemblance was uncanny.

Others pointed out the irony in the situation. Amorim, now tasked with managing Bruno and keeping him focused in high-pressure games, was once a carbon copy of the Portuguese midfielder. “Imagine Amorim trying to calm Bruno down,” wrote one fan. “It’s literally the pot calling the kettle black.”

The banter didn’t stop there. Some United fans suggested that the behavior was simply in the Portuguese footballing DNA. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional gestures to Fernandes’ constant conversations with referees, it’s seen as part of the nation’s fiery footballing culture. As one supporter put it: “Portugal doesn’t just produce playmakers, they produce elite referee arguers too.”

Amid the laughter, the viral moment brought some much-needed comic relief to Manchester United fans. The Red Devils have endured a turbulent start to the season under Amorim, with results still not matching expectations. But rather than dampen the mood, this discovery has given supporters a lighter perspective on their passionate manager and captain.

One particular fan summed it up neatly: “Forget transfers, this is the real Manchester United DNA — passion, fight, and never backing down, even with the referee.” That kind of spirit, while sometimes criticized, is also celebrated as a reflection of the club’s history of intensity and defiance.

The comparisons also raise an interesting narrative about the bond between Amorim and Fernandes. Both men are strong-willed, competitive, and driven by emotion. For all the criticism about Bruno’s outbursts, many argue that his fire is what makes him such an influential leader. Amorim, having lived that same emotional intensity, may be uniquely placed to understand and manage his captain’s energy.

Referees, however, might not be so amused. With both Amorim on the touchline and Bruno patrolling the midfield, Premier League officials could be in for some animated weekends. Some fans have even joked about referees needing “double vision” when United are in action, as manager and captain may end up arguing in stereo from both pitch and sideline.

In the end, the viral video is more than just comic relief. It highlights a shared passion that defines both Amorim and Fernandes. Whether that passion leads to frustration or inspiration remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Manchester United’s Portuguese duo are cut from the same cloth. And if referees thought Bruno alone was a handful, they’ll need to brace themselves — because now, his manager speaks the same language of passion and protest