For all the criticism that comes his way, Bruno Fernandes has proved himself Manchester United's man for all seasons.
While the treatment room at United's Carrington training base is packed with at least 10 injured players, Fernandes continues to play on through the pain barrier and lead by example. Despite sporting heavy strapping and bandaging on his right hand, Fernandes still managed to haul United to victory, twice from a losing position, scoring a double himself and setting up Rasmus Hojlund for the final goal in Wednesday's hard-fought 4-2 win over Sheffield United.
Remarkably, Portugal playmaker Fernandes has not missed a game through injury in four years at United, since making his debut in a 0-0 draw with Wolves on February 1 st 2020. Since he joined, United have played 241 matches, of which Fernandes has played 229, 219 of them starts.
Of the 12 games he has missed, five were due to suspension, three as an unused sub, in three he was rested and one he missed through illness. While some players rule themselves out with the slightest strain or discomfort, Fernandes always makes himself available, irrespective of any ailments he may be feeling.
The 29-year-old is football's equivalent of the Duracell bunny, still going long after everyone else has run out of power, ready to go again the next time he is called upon to perform. Fernandes has an army of detractors, for his emotional approach, principally his habitual haranguing of referees, as well as his propensity for theatrics when tackled.
But such criticism overlooks his durability, which is reminiscent of one of his predecessors at United, Bryan Robson, nicknamed Captain Marvel for his remorseless resilience. Former United skipper Robson has been impressed with Fernandes this season and said: “He's a very fit lad, he works hard in training and he's leading by example at the moment.
“Results haven't been going as well as we would have liked, but Bruno's standing up to be counted when it really matters, especially with all of the injuries this season. Even if he's got a bit of a knock, he'll play through it, because he wants to play all the time. It's a great record he's got, since he's been at the club, in terms of how many games he's played.
“This season, I feel that arguing with the referee over decisions and getting bookings he shouldn't have got, he hasn't had as many of them, so he's getting better at that. You can have a conversation with a referee, but don't do it in a way that's going to get you booked, because it can end up in suspensions and missing really important games because of it.
“He's only really missed games because of suspensions. A lot of the time you can't be 100 per cent fit, so you've got to play and get through games without damaging yourself any more, which he's done well. Over the last six or seven games he's led by example. He steps up to the mark with penalties, he wants to take responsibility and you can see him trying to help the younger players when things aren't going well for the team.”
It has been a tough first season for Fernandes as United captain, having succeeded Harry Maguire, but those within the club have been impressed with how he has adapted to the role. Multi-lingual, he is seen as the conduit between the squad and boss Erik ten Hag, adept at dealing with senior and younger players, while demanding the highest standards on and off the pitch.
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