Bruno Fernandes admits to pre-match nerves, but insists he stays composed and focused once the game begins
Manchester United have not had the best start to the 2025–26 season. The Red Devils are ninth in the Premier League table with one win, one loss and one draw. Ruben Amorim’s side beat Burnley 3–2 just before the international break after Grimsby Town knocked them out on penalties in the Carabao Cup. Now the club will face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, amid reports that Saudi clubs might return with an offer for Bruno Fernandes in the January transfer window.
Bruno Fernandes’ interview:
Ahead of the Manchester derby, the United captain gave an interview to BBC Sport, where he discussed various aspects of his career. The 30-year-old spoke about whether he gets nervous before matches. He stated that he remains calm during the game, but does get nervous beforehand. Moreover, the Portuguese international revealed that he repeatedly memorises every move and position of each teammate in training so that his decisions in matches feel natural.
“No, never. During the games? No. Before the games, I can get nervous. During the game, I just think about the goal we have for the game, which is to win. I remember every step that we have trained and that my teammates have to do, and I remember every position they have to do.
“When I go to a training session, I focus not only on what I have to do but what is around me because it can change. I have to play a different position, or a teammate could not be aware of where he has to be or which position he should stay.
“On set-pieces, I know exactly where everyone has to be. The only nervous thing is getting everything into my memory so I can remember it in the game. Also, when I’m on the ball, I know every movement my teammates have to do. To be aware of, ‘I’m on the ball here, so this is what we trained’ – but you have to think that in a split second.
“It gets automatic because I think about that during the week until the game. When you think so many times about something, your muscle memory works by itself.”
Author Opinion
Bruno Fernandes’s approach seems balanced, showing that despite pressure he stays composed on the pitch. He made it clear that pre-match nervousness is normal for him, and during games he focuses only on winning and on the team’s movements. The 30-year-old’s penalty-scoring record is around 90 per cent, and recent misses are rare exceptions, as shown by his decisive 97th-minute penalty against Burnley that secured victory and maintained fans’ faith.
Bruno Fernandes has received a fair share of criticism for his heated altercations
Bruno Fernandes has received a fair share of criticism for his heated altercations
The United captain’s composure from the spot underlines his calm in decisive moments. However, these discussions have arisen as Bruno has received criticism for heated altercations on the field with his team-mates and even match officials.
The 30-year-old has lost his cool on certain occasions, drawing the ire of fans and pundits. Even so, such reactions are perhaps natural for a player who wears his heart on his sleeve. The United captain is a demanding character, as seen when he wanted more from his team-mates after a frustrating draw against Fulham earlier this season. We believe Bruno will continue to do so in his remaining time as a Manchester United player.