Bruno Fernandes ended the ongoing debate about his credentials as Manchester United captain with one honourable gesture in Sunday’s 3-0 win against Everton. United cruised to their fifth win in six Premier League games at Goodison Park, and Fernandes more than played his part.
The 29-year-old has been a polarising figure since he arrived in English football in January 2020 due to his antics when things aren’t going his way on the pitch, but his quality has never been up for debate.
He has registered 68 goals and 59 assists in 204 appearances for United and quickly became one of the dressing room leaders at Old Trafford.
His most recent goal contribution came by assisting Anthony Martial’s third at Everton, but he was also central to Marcus Rashford’s second.
Rashford scored from the penalty spot to squash his 15-game goal drought, but it was Fernandes’ decision to give him the opportunity.
Sensing his attacking partner was low on confidence amid a troublesome campaign, the Portugal international handed him the ball before he struck a perfect spot-kick past Jordan Pickford.
After full-time at Goodison Park, Fernandes explained the eye-catching decision, speaking like a true captain.
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“Marcus needed a bit of confidence, and he is an excellent penalty taker. I was 100 per cent sure he could take it,” Fernandes explained.
“It is not about who takes it. It is about scoring the penalty. Sometimes, you need the chance to get your confidence back. Last season, he was amazing. It was just about getting his goals back.”
Ten Hag stripped Harry Maguire of the captaincy in the summer to give the armband to Fernandes, given their contrasting roles in his maiden season in charge.
And he heaped praise on the Red Devils No 8 for his selfless actions to help Rashford rediscover his confidence and form.
