Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has impressed staff at Carrington with his extraordinary commitment to the club, even on days when he is not required to train.
The midfielder, who made his 300th appearance for United in Saturday’s 4–2 win over Brighton, has developed a new habit that reflects his growing influence within the squad.
Instead of resting indoors during recovery sessions, Fernandes has been seen standing pitchside in Manchester’s often harsh weather, watching teammates train and offering encouragement.
United’s first-team players who feature for more than 45 minutes typically skip full sessions the following day, but the Portuguese playmaker now spends part of his downtime observing and supporting others.
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According to The Sun, Fernandes often leaves the comfort of United’s £50million training complex, choosing a touchline vantage point over the warmth of the treatment room.
The facility’s recovery area overlooks the training pitches, yet Fernandes has reportedly opted to step outside to motivate teammates in person.
He was joined on Sunday by close friend and fellow Portugal international Diogo Dalot as the squad’s non-starters completed an intense session.
Manchester United next five fixtures include four away games | GB NEWS/GETTYStaff are said to view the gesture as another example of the captain’s professionalism and influence within the dressing room.
Fernandes’ dedication follows a summer in which he turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, reaffirming his commitment to United.
Now 31, he has missed only two games through injury since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, underlining his consistency and durability across six seasons.
Bruno Fernandes is a dressing room leader for Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim
| GETTYLATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Bruno Fernandes remains a vital player at Man United, having turned down a huge move to Saudi Arabia back in the summer | PAIn an interview last week, Fernandes offered a glimpse into his mindset and leadership style, revealing how he challenges teammates to push themselves in training.
Speaking about summer signing Bryan Mbeumo, who netted twice against Brighton on Saturday, he explained how high standards drive the squad forward.
“Sometimes I get upset with him in training,” Fernandes said.
Bruno Fernandes has been helping Bryan Mbeumo adjust to life at Man United behind the scenes
| REUTERS“Because he’s like, one touch more, one touch more and everything. I say, ‘Bryan, you don’t need that. You can one-touch and shoot because you’re more than able to do that. You did that against us when you were at Brentford! You just have to make it for us now. The shirts have changed, but you’re the same player, so we need that from you.’”
Mbeumo’s response was immediate, taking his tally to five goals as Saturday's upcoming match with Nottingham Forest looms.
Club insiders say Fernandes’ attitude continues to set the tone for United’s evolving culture under Ruben Amorim.
Bruno Fernandes is eager to fire Manchester United to the Premier League title
| GBNEWS/GETTY/PAHaving endured a nightmare start to the season, losing to the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, they have now bounced back with three wins on the spin.
Their captain's approach at Carrington has reportedly inspired younger players and impressed the coaching staff.
As United look to close the gap on the Premier League leaders, Fernandes’ influence both on and off the pitch remains central to the team’s ambitions.
The club will be hoping to beat Forest this weekend, with the hosts now managed by Sean Dyche following the shock sacking of Ange Postecoglou.