You’d struggle to find a current non-homegrown Manchester United player who boasts a stronger connection with the fans than Bruno Fernandes.
Not only did the midfielder’s instant impact on the squad after signing in 2020 make him a widely-loved figure, but his relationship with the Old Trafford faithful, effect on younger players and the squad as a whole made him the No.1 candidate to become captain in Erik ten Hag’s second season – a no-brainer decision.
Fernandes has just put pen to paper on a three-year contract, which includes the option of an additional season in 2027. It came as a huge relief to supporters, as the skipper had been heavily linked with a move away from United at the beginning of the window, with Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Saudi Arabian clubs all said to be interested.
Yet, his future is now safely tied to the Theatre of Dreams, where he’s just kickstarted his fifth full season as a Red – his second wearing the armband.
Read more: ‘Continuous contacts’ – Euro outfit are unrelenting in their attempts to sign 52-cap United ‘hero’
Journalist Simon Peach shared a heartwarming post this afternoon regarding Fernandes, divulging how he’d spotted the player meeting young Reds outside Carrington to sign autographs and take pictures – even moving his car to do so to ensure he didn’t block the road and could stay for longer.
Just seen #MUFC captain Bruno Fernandes spend five minutes signing autographs for kids outside of Carrington. A small thing but it’ll make a lot of people’s days. He moved his car so he could pose for as many pictures as possible without blocking the road
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) August 22, 2024