Bruno Fernandes is getting ready for his fourth full season as a Manchester United player but this year, he begins the year as the club’s full-time captain after Erik ten Hag promoted him this summer.
Ten Hag made the decision to remove Harry Maguire from the role earlier this summer, having given the armband to Fernandes on an interim basis last season.
Fernandes has been one of the leading Premier League players since he joined the league in 2020 but his position means that he comes up against some of the league’s most impressive midfield anchors and speaking ahead of this week’s curtain-raiser, he named three of his toughest opponents in the division.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Portugal international named stars from Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea as he explained why it was difficult to come up against these three midfielders.
“In the Premier League you play against top players. Kante was difficult, Rodri was difficult, Declan Rice was really difficult,” Fernandes said.
“Declan and Rodri were physically very similar, Kante more small but quick and sharp. But there are many players because we play in the best league in the world so you get to play against the best players.”
Fernandes signed a new long-term contract at the end of the 2021/22 season, committing his future to the club and making him one of the side’s highest earners in the process.
Fernandes’ versatility, drive and hunger immediately made him one of Ten Hag’s favourites at the club and it is highly unlikely that anyone would be able to displace him at Old Trafford.
His new status as club captain further solidified Ten Hag’s belief in his trusted lieutenant, who is a popular figure in the dressing-room as well.
