Bruno Fernandes first donned the armband nearly three years ago against Paris Saint-Germain. When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer announced his promotion, Fernandes was wide-eyed and his eyebrow arched in surprise.
That is the only time Fernandes appeared unnerved by the honour. He has been the de facto Manchester United captain for almost a year and was instrumental in their revival.
Fernandes skippered United 42 times out of a possible 62 games in 2022-23, including in both domestic cup finals. The game was up for Harry Maguire long before his cameo at Wembley in the League Cup final just so he was kit-ready for the trophy presentation.
Fernandes, 27, also led United out for Ten Hag’s first match in charge in the pre-season friєɴԀly thrashing of Liverpool in Bangkok last July. They jointly and sheepishly clutched the Bangkok Century Cup and a bond was quickly forged.
Fernandes was the inevitable choice. He led United impeccably last season, bar an aberration at Anfield where he bickered with club staff over a substitution, despaired at a linesman and downed tools in a 7-0 thrashing.
Otherwise, Fernandes aided United’s revival from three different roles. Wherever he played, he tєɴԀed to have an impact and his performance level was his most consistent. Unlike under Solskjaer, Fernandes’s goals and assists did not mask his overall displays.
Figures at United say Fernandes has stood out as a leader since he joined the club in January 2020. On his first day at Carrington, he requested to head out onto the training pitch once he had signed his paperwork and posed for unveiling shots so he could be as well prepared as possible for his debut against Wolves two days later.
Sources say Fernandes has “inspirational qualities” on the pitch and in the dressing room. Ten Hag values Fernandes’s in-game intelligence and communication skills. United’s communications department elected Fernandes to speak to yours truly ahead of the Manchester derby in January.
Fernandes is a demanding teammate but that mentality chimes with Ten Hag’s as he continues to cultivate a culture of high standards at United.
Although Fernandes is now officially recognised as United’s captain, figures at the club have stressed a coterie of leaders remain in the squad. Raphael Varane captained United in their first two pre-season matches against Leeds and Lyon, Casemiro’s input is highly regarded while the homegrown contingent of Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and veteran Tom Heaton served in the leadership group Ten Hag often consulted last season. United expect them to continue to support Fernandes now his appointment has been confirmed.
