Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has heaped praise on star midfielder Bruno Fernandes amid talk of the Portugal international's future at Old Trafford.
Fernandes has shone amid United struggles and six goals in five Premier League matches have ensured the Red Devils are in the driving seat to finish sixth. The club captain has stood out as a rare transfer success for United in recent seasons.
Ten Hag spoke highly of what Fernandes brings as captain and the example he sets behind the scenes. The Dutch manager believes Fernandes has improved throughout 2023/24.
"He is our captain and he works during the off season, so hard on the training ground, and he brings the energy in every game," Ten Hag said. "Every occasion, he sets an example as a captain for the team and you see his form growing across the season.
"By the end of the season, he is in great form and he is scoring goals, making key actions with assists.
"I am really impressed with his performances, contributing to the team spirit but also individually with his creation. I am happy with his performances."
The midfielder's future was thrust into the spotlight after it emerged that Manchester United's hierarchy would be flexible in the transfer market. It is said that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co will consider offers for their stars should they be of sufficient value with only Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo not available.
That saw Fernandes asked about his future. The 29-year-old believes both parties expect him to continue at the club but conceded any move away from the Premier League could only be considered following the European Championships.
"I’m not thinking about other things at the moment. Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it?" he told DAZN Portugal. "A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides."
"So, if you want me to be very honest," he added, "If I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment."
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