Ruben Amorim has stressed the need to retain key player Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United plan summer improvements within their financial constraints.
The 30-year-old has been one of the few bright spots in United's worst season since relegation in 1973-74, compounded by last week's Europa League final defeat to another struggling club, Tottenham.
United were denied trophies and Champions League qualification with a crushing defeat in Bilbao, making Fernandes realise the club could ultimately benefit from his transfer.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal are set to sign the Portugal international, with their head coach praising the captain's importance at Old Trafford.
“You can see it in his play, in his leadership, in his passion, so he is truly irreplaceable,” Amorim said.
“It showed in the last game [Sunday's 2-0 win against Aston Villa]. I felt the team played without pressure and looked quite confident, everyone wanted to keep the ball.
“But in difficult moments you realise that Bruno is the one who takes responsibility.
“He needs to be on the pitch because he's the captain and he's experienced, so he's really important for us and what we want to create with this team.”
Amorim, who took part in United's final tour of Asia, will be looking to shape a team to his vision this summer.
The club's talks for Wolves star Matheus Cunha are progressing well, according to the PA news agency, while interest is also being shown in other players including Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and Ipswich striker Liam Delap.
However, the situation was complicated over the summer by the lack of Champions League matches, which resulted in United losing around £100m in revenue.
“Omar (Berrada, CEO) can explain (the implications) better than me, but I think we always have two plans – one with the Champions League and one without the Champions League,” Amorim said in Malaysia.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
