Bruno Fernandes is not only the Manchester United captain on the pitch, but he also embodies the club with his actions, including how he treats the academy players.
Bruno Fernandes is known to take Manchester United academy players under his wing, teaching his brilliance and guiding youngsters who are stepping into the first team.
Fernandes has been brilliant with Shea Lacey, looking after the winger, and has been spotted in training giving him advice.
Meanwhile, Jack Fletcher has also benefited from Fernandes, with the pair having a good relationship, as seen during pre-season last year.
Bruno Fernandes and Shea Lacey in Man United gear.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Godwill Kukonki of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Derby County at Old Trafford on January 23, 2026
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Bruno Fernandes’ leadership showcased in treatment of Manchester United youngsters
Fernandes is Mr. Manchester United in 2026, with his attention to the academy players just one aspect of why he will go down as a club legend.
Now, according to The Athletic, Fernandes’ care and help for youth players goes beyond just advice in training.
The report claims that around Carrington, Fernandes often stops young players in the corridors for a talk and to check on how they are progressing and faring at whichever level they are currently at.
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Beyond this, Fernandes also contacts youngsters who are out on loan, asking for updates on how they are coping and getting on in their new clubs.
He does this, the report claims, to make sure that the players feel involved and close to the first team, which will aid their integration.
Fernandes’ role with the youth says it all about his future, United simply can’t afford to let him leave.
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Bruno Fernandes Ballon d'Or Talking points graphic.
Credit: Getty Images.
United cannot sell Fernandes this summer for this reason
Hearing of the importance Fernandes has off the pitch for United just further emphasises why the Portugal international cannot be sold this summer.
Gone are the days when selling Fernandes would have funded a big transfer. Now, Fernandes’ £57m release clause makes it completely not worthwhile to sell him this summer.
On the pitch, Fernandes is irreplaceable for United in terms of his goals and assists, while he is also impossible to replace off the pitch.
Without Fernandes, United loses its identity right now, and a player who embodies everything the club is supposed to be.
In a summer when Casemiro is already leaving, Fernandes must be kept.
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