James Overy has recalled a touching moment in Manchester United training where club captain Bruno Fernandes offered some priceless advice.
On and off the pitch, Bruno Fernandes is the heart of this Manchester United side and yet so much of his brilliance goes under the radar.
Fernandes is chasing the Player of the Year award because of his outstanding goals and assists record, yet his leadership and experience off the pitch is often underappreciated.
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Amad Diallo raved about Fernandes’ leadership and communication skills, and he is certainly not the only United teammate who has spoken about the Portuguese playmaker extremely highly.
Academy star James Overy has been impressing at Carrington this season, and the 18-year-old right-back was quick to point out the impact that Fernandes has had in training.
James Overy in Australia jacket with headphones.
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images for Soccer Australia
James Overy recalls Bruno Fernandes mentor moment
Speaking to Australian outlet Football360, Overy was asked who his biggest role models are in the current United first team.
He did not need long to answer: “I’d definitely say Bruno, I look up to him so much.
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“Last time I was with him, I remember I was taking free-kicks because our free-kick taker was injured and so I was thinking ‘if we get a free-kick I’m going to take this’.
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“So I was taking free-kicks, and he comes over and basically for an hour he was teaching me techniques. Things like ‘I do this, I aim for this man, dip it, or hit it there’.
“I look up to him so much. Even in sessions, he will drive it by being the best player.”
James Overy closing in on Man United breakthrough
In 2024, Overy was named alongside Chido Obi as two of the best youngsters in world football.
United signed Overy from Perth Glory in September of 2024 as one of the many talented youngsters who arrived as part of Ineos’ long-term strategy.
Since making his move to Manchester, Overy has impressed in the academy sides and he has even been called up to the Australia national team before making his breakthrough at United.
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Overy has signed a professional contract with United, and clearly academy staff feel he has what it takes to make the step up. He is competing with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui for a spot at right-back.
The summer pre-season could be a huge opportunity for United staff to assess Overy and decide whether or not he is ready for a first-team breakthrough in 2026/27.
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