Several have questioned Bruno Fernandes’ captaincy role at Manchester United, after he took over the captaincy for Harry Maguire last summer.
However, the Portuguese has silenced the biggest criticism recently with several solid performances, not least recently against Sheffield United.
And for Juan Mata, who played alongside Fernandes for two and a half years, there is no doubt that it is the right man to wear the armband.
– In my eyes, there is a great leader in there now, who is the captain, Bruno, says Mata to ESPN.
– I should tell all young players that they should look up to him. I can’t say how important he is to the club, and not just because of what he’s done in the last few games, with two goals and securing the win (against Sheffield United), but his stability over the years he’s played for the club is just unbelievable, the Spaniard continues.
Mata believes Fernandes should be a central piece when Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the new sporting management are to point out a new direction for the club.
– He is a top, top player, but he is even better as a person. So in my eyes the club’s culture should be built around him.
– He is a great example for the entire new generation. The players who play for the team now, Garnacho, Mainoo, Højlund, they should look up to him for the way he trains and behaves.
– He is the one who is always there for the team. He can play well or badly, but he is always there with the right attitude. And in my eyes, that’s what it’s like to be a Manchester United player, says Mata.
