The Manchester United skipper led by example against Liverpool at the weekend as the Red Devils beat the reigning Premier League champions at Anfield
Bruno Fernandes fist bumps
Bruno Fernandes arrived at training all smiles, as he fist bumped United staff
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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes seems to display many of the characteristics that legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson possessed during his time at Old Trafford. Following United's 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, United's squad returned to training.
As captured in the club's 'Inside Arrivals' footage, Fernandes was showcasing all the qualities that explain why he's held the captain's armband since summer 2023.
Upon his arrival at training, Fernandes ensured he acknowledged everyone on his way through, enquired about their wellbeing and even shared friendly fist bumps as he entered United's Carrington training ground. His approachable manner and charismatic presence mirrors that of Sir Alex and reveals the more personable aspect of his personality.
Ferguson was renowned for sharing breakfast with United's laundry staff, ensuring he was familiar with every individual by name.
Archie Knox, a trusted colleague who served as his assistant at both Aberdeen and United, reckons this approach, which appears to be mirrored by both Ferguson and Fernandes, is crucial for sustained success.
Speaking to The Scottish Sun, Knox explained: "One of the first things Alex told me when I came to Aberdeen was everybody is part of the club. He knew the ground staff, he knew the ladies in the kitchen, he made sure he knew them all. It was the same when we went to Manchester United.
"The first thing we did in the morning, maybe before 8am, was to go into the laundry room at the training ground and have tea and toast with the women in there."
Sir Alex Ferguson with the Premier League trophy
Sir Alex Ferguson was known to be friendly with the staff at United during his time at the club
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Whilst Fernandes is experiencing a resurgence in form with United, his future could have been elsewhere this summer. The Portuguese midfielder appeared destined to relocate to Saudi Arabia following reports that Al-Hilal were prepared to offer a £300million package to secure his services, reports the Mirror.
United would have received a £100m transfer fee, with Fernandes being offered a staggering contract worth approximately £200m. He also could have reunited with two of his international colleagues in Saudi Arabia.
"It would have been an easy move," he said. "I had Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo there, two people I have a great friendship with. But I want to stay at the highest level, play in big competitions, because I still feel capable."
Speaking in October, regarding the collapsed transfer he said: "I didn't close the door on moving to Saudi Arabia because of the World Cup. That was never in my mind. I wanted to stay at Manchester United, and the club wanted me to stay. That's all there is to it."
Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrate
Bruno Fernandes showed his leadership qualities against Liverpool(Image: Poppy Townson - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Nevertheless, any exit from the club appears to be off the table for now and the skipper has continued to guide his team in outstanding fashion.
Speaking with his leadership responsibilities clearly in mind following the victory over Liverpool, Fernandes cautioned his teammates that they must sustain their performance standards. "Today is for celebrating and enjoying the moment," the Red Devils skipper told DAZN Portugal as quoted by O Jogo.
"I'll start thinking about it [the next game] tomorrow, because the focus has to quickly shift from today and move on to next week.
"Winning today is very nice, but if we don't win next week, it will be a dark cloud again. It's difficult to maintain a beautiful sky in Manchester."
He added: "It was a very important game. We obviously needed this win to get closer to the top spots. It was very important to win against a team that needed to win, and we also used that impatience to make them make some mistakes."
Next up for Fernandes and United is a clash with Brighton on Saturday at Old Trafford as United look to make it three Premier League victories in a row.
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