Bruno Fernandes impressed one free agent during his time training with the club. (Image: Getty)
Bruno Fernandes’ gesture towards one free agent speaks volumes about the Manchester United ace’s leadership qualities.
Fernandes was named captain at the beginning of last season, after Erik ten Hag stripped former skipper Harry Maguire of the armband.
He led by example on the pitch by helping United to a famous FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City.
But it would appear he’s also a role model off the pitch.
Joe Lewis was invited to the club’s training ground last season following his exit from Scottish side Aberdeen FC.
The goalkeeper had only joined in order to keep on top of his fitness, but he was able to offer a fly-on-the-wall perspective on life at the three-time European champions.
And it was his encounters with Fernandes that left the biggest impression.
Speaking to The Manchester Evening News about his time at Carrington, the shot-stopper said: “He’d [Fernandes] lead by example in training, and he’s just a really good guy. He’d spend time with me, someone he didn’t know, who was just a training goalkeeper, and we’d sit down at lunchtime.
Joe Lewis spent a period of time at Carrington training with Man Utd’s first team. (Image: Getty)
“Bruno didn’t need to do that with me, but he’s a really good leader and an incredibly talented player. He has a wand of a right foot and has unbelievable technique.”
Much loved by the United faithful, Red Devils fans will be reassured their cult hero is as classy off the pitch as he is on it.
But, above all else, it was the Portuguese midfielder’s work rate that caught Lewis’ eye the most: “He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever seen, and there’s loads of hard workers at United. Every day, he works on shooting, his first touch, and he’s out there training longer than any player at the club.”
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United won’t have to worry about losing that mentality from their squad anytime soon either, given Fernandes recently penned a new deal.
The ex-Sporting ace is now under contract until 2027, and after penning the renewal, Fernandes said: “Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United,” the club captain said. “I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club.”
Fernandes and United return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they take on Brighton in the lunchtime kick-off.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1938098/Man-Utd-news-Bruno-Fernandes-Joe-Lewis