Bruno Fernandes praises Man Utd's 'unsung hero' who was brought to club by Ruben Amorim following 'special request'
Bruno Fernandes has explained why the relatively unknown Acacio Valentim, a member of staff brought to Manchester United by Ruben Amorim, is the club’s unsung hero.
United's backroom team has changed significantly since Amorim was sacked in January 2026, with Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Emanuel Ferro, Jorge Vital and Paulo Barreira joining the Portuguese coach at AC Milan.
Meanwhile, the current first-team coaching set-up under Michael Carrick consists of Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson.
READ MORE: Footage of Ruben Amorim meeting several Man Utd players immediately after AC Milan speaks volumes
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However, there is one member of staff remaining from Amorim's eventful time at the club. In fact, the latter made a special request for Acacio Valentim to arrive following a spell at Sporting Braga.
Bruno Fernandes gives special mention to Acacio Valentim during interview
Earlier this week, Fernandes was speaking to Sky Sports when he was asked to name his unsung hero at United. It didn't take him long to give his answer.
“Acacio [Valantim]," said the midfielder. "He’s our team manager. He’s the person that tells us about timings, all the schedules, travelling, airplanes, all these things. He’s also the best dresser in the club. The best dresser by far."
As mentioned by Fernandes, the hard-working Valentim works as first-team operations manager at United and helps organise matters off the pitch.
Last year, a detailed report from The Athletic suggested Valentim had brought an 'openness to the role', which was previously performed by Jackie Kay for a decade of her 30 years at the club.
It was also suggested at the time that the former Shanghai SIPG staff member was getting on well and communicating with people across the club, something he has clearly continued over the past 12 months.
What does Acacio Valentim do at Manchester United exactly?
United advertised for a first-team operations manager in 2025, and the original job specification gave a breakdown of what the role involves.
As noted in the advert, Valentim works closely with the first-team manager, technical director and coaching staff, acting as their so-called operational partner.
He will also coordinate administration, player support, security, kit and equipment, travel and logistics, as well as oversee day-to-day logistics at Carrington, including training schedules, use of facilities and other arrangements surrounding the squad.
On top of that, Valentim is said to act as a trusted point of contact for players, including helping with personal and professional issues, which may include dealing with unexpected problems.
Other notes include liaising between the football department and other areas of the club, and finding ways to make the operation more efficient, including through technology and data.
Topics: Man Utd, Premier League, Bruno Fernandes
Jack Kenmare