Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes is back for pre-season training and has singled out fellow midfielder Donny van de Beek for special praise ahead of the new season.
Fernandes’ involvement in this summer’s European Championship meant that the 26-year-old returned to the club later than some players.
The former Sporting captain has singled out Donny van de Beek, who was ruled out of the same tournament with a groin injury, for special praise after returning to the club with a seemingly broader physique.
Van de Beek endured a tough first season in the Premier League, starting just four games in the league before being an unused substitute in the Europa League final loss to Villarreal.
“As a professional player you always prepare for your season before you come back for training, you always do something before and I think everyone was doing their jobs at home,” Bruno told the official Manchester United website.
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“Yes, he’s (Van de Beek) working hard and working hard in the gym. Obviously, he is one of the quality players we know and now he’s building up,” he added.
With the Premier League curtain-raiser against Leeds less than two weeks away, the Dutchman will be hoping to make a strong impression in the final warm-up game against Everton this weekend.
Van de Beek has an advantage on some of his fellow midfielders, having already featured in pre-season. Paul Pogba, Fred, Scott McTominay, and Bruno Fernandes are all yet to play in any games.
