Manchester United are enjoying their best season since Sir Alex Ferguson retired almost 10 years ago and Erik ten Hag will be looking to build on that in the final two months of the campaign.
Ten Hag has already ended United’s six-year wait for a trophy, having picked up the Carabao Cup after beating Newcastle United at Wembley in February.
Additionally, the Reds are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and could enter the same stage in the Europa League if they find a way past Sevilla in the quarter-finals.
Ten Hag wasted no time in drilling his players with his principles and most of the squad immediately bought into the philosophy, with doubters shown the door.
Bruno Fernandes, a mainstay in the side under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick previously, has embodied Ten Hag’s revolution and the Dutchman’s faith in the midfielder is clear.
Fernandes is the vice-captain and considering Harry Maguire’s minutes are few and far in between, it’s the Portuguese international that wears the armband more often than not.
Speaking ahead of this Sunday’s trip to face Newcastle, the third meeting between the sides this season, Ten Hag has hailed his trusted midfield lieutenant, admitting he is ‘so happy’ with the 28-year-old.
“He is fantastic. He has [had] a fantastic season so far and firstly he is an example,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying on the official Manchester United website.
“He gives so much energy to the team, but he is taking so much responsibility and pushing the team, but often by example.
“Not only by coaching, by example and he is so good in transitional moments. Of course, in the final third, he is continually a threat.
“In possession, he is always available to receive the ball. He is always an option and almost every time, he has the right solution.
“I am so happy with Bruno in my team, and I think he’s made a massive improvement during the season, and I hope he can continue this.”
Fernandes’ efforts were recently recognised as he picked up the internal Player of the Month award at United, fending off competition from red-hot Marcus Rashford.
It comes just weeks after Fernandes faced intense scrutiny for his performance in the defeat at Anfield last month but he has provided the perfect response.
He’s good but need someone to be deputising him to avoid fatigue.
Man united should not leave Antony to go.