Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said that Reds midfielder Bruno Fernandes is an example to his teammates and explained why he regularly dons the armband when Harry Maguire is not in the team.
Fernandes has made 24 appearances for United so far this season, and has only missed one match in all competitions - which came as a result of a suspension. While he has only managed to register three goals and five assists, he has been a standout performer for Ten Hag's side all campaign.
The Portuguese midfielder has captained the side for the majority of the season in the absence of club captain Harry Maguire. His strong showings have led to praise from his manager, who has suggested that the 28-year-old's energy is key in how United want to play.
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Speaking to club media ahead of the FA Cup clash against Everton, Ten Hag said: "I think he’s an example. That’s also the reason why he often wears the armband. That’s exemplified by his energy.
"He’s so good in transition, both ways, and that’s one of the key elements in today’s football. He’s so good in it and he gives so much quality in that part of the game. The team’s really happy with him and I’m really happy with him."
Fernandes recently praised Ten Hag for bringing 'stability and discipline' to the club following his arrival in the summer, with the former Sporting man keen to laud his manager for changing the players' mindset this campaign.
"You enjoy it when you win games, if you are winning, everyone will be more happy," Fernandes told NBC Sports. "The strikers want to get their goals, their assists, those kind of things are always important for everyone.
"I think the main thing for us, because we've been in difficult moments with the changing of coaches, so we find now a coach that gave us stability, that was really important and something that was missing, and big disciple. That, for me, was something that was massive on our team that we need.
"I think in our team, we were missing a little bit of that and I think now everyone understands that you do whatever you have to do or you're out."
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