Bruno Fernandes is just one Manchester United player who is currently reaping the rewards of a fresh start under Erik ten Hag.
The Portuguese midfielder quickly established himself as one of the club's most important players following his arrival from Sporting Lisbon back in January 2020, but his form and influence have noticeably waned over the past 12 months.
Fernandes looked a shell of the player he used to be during Ralf Rangnick's uninspiring interim reign but he has shown glimpses of a return to form under Ten Hag. The fact that Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, another player who has been revitalised by the Dutchman, are currently starring at the World Cup will not be lost on United fans ahead of the second half of the Premier League season.
But unfortunately, Fernandes' renaissance has not gone unnoticed. Spanish giants Real Madrid are believed to have rekindled their interest in the goalscoring midfielder, who was linked with a move to the Bernabeu prior to joining United.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Real are mulling over a fresh approach to lure Fernandes to Spain. However, it is believed that the 28-year-old, who only penned a new contract that runs until the summer of 2026 back in April, is 'complete and satisfied' at Old Trafford.
That may not deter Los Blancos from swooping, though; the report goes on to outline that Fernandes had not closed the door on a move that would take his career to the next level.
Even if Fernandes would be receptive to a move, it is unlikely that Ten Hag will be persuaded to part with one of United's most influential players.
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Ten Hag has already been vociferous with his praise of Fernandes this year - even when the midfielder's improved performances were still being marred by the absence of his goalscoring touch.
"Yeah but I think Bruno is playing really good this season, so I can see in that fact, he can produce more goals, assists," said Ten Hag. "But I think he's often in the line of the goal and he's playing a massive role in a lot of moments of football for us: in building up attacks, creativity, movement, but also in transitions, in both sides, in the defensive transitions he's magnificent and doing a really good job so I’m really happy with his performances."
Fernandes has contributed 53 goals and 42 assists in 146 games since joining United but had been plagued by long barren spells more recently. He had chalked up three goals and three assists before the mid-season break, but his impressive double in Portugal's 2-0 win over Uruguay is the biggest indicator yet that the midfield man is back in business.
And given that Ten Hag was signing Fernandes' praises before then, it's highly unlikely the Old Trafford chief will change his stance now that United's main man is on the verge of recapturing his best form.
