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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Hodgson

Bruno Fernandes has an unusual role in Manchester United training

The competitor in Bruno Fernandes comes out in Manchester United training - even between the sticks.

A player known for his final third contributions, whether it be scoring goals or providing assists for his United team mates - it turns out Fernandes cannot help but jump in goal every now and then at Carrington. That is according to goalkeeping duo Nathan Bishop and Jack Butland.

Bishop, 23, has been involved in the goalkeeper's union at United ever since making the move from Southend United in 2020. As for Butland, he is off to Rangers upon the expiry of his contract next month. However, the pair did have time to sit down for a chat with in-house media ahead of the latter's departure.

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Interesting insight was given, including Fernandes scoring penalties and then having a go at keeping them out himself. The Portugal international is certainly a winner.

When asked who the best outfield players are, in net, Bishop said: “Do you know how much talk there is? They give it so much talk, that they would be unbelievable in goal! Bruno tries and he always loves a little rotation on the penalties. Like, if he has scored five, he's like, if you can score one past me now, we'll call it evens and stuff.”

Butland added: "But no-one's brave enough to do it. I haven't seen anybody in the time I've been here even think about going in goal!"

While the pair weren't quite convinced by Fernandes' exploits in goal, they did include him in their list of best finishers at the club - the number eight's ability from distance hailed.

"I think you've got different ones," said Butland. "You've got Rashy, who is pretty ruthless. You've got Anthony Martial, who is really cultured and great with his finishing, calm. Christian [Eriksen].

"Bruno is a top, top finisher from distance. I've not seen many as prolific from outside the box and confident in where he's putting it and how he puts it there. We're blessed. This is Man United. You're blessed with plenty of good finishers and we've got a big selection to choose from."

NEXT UP:

A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here

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