Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has praised current captain Bruno Fernandes as a “great leader” and advocated for building the club’s culture around him.
Fernandes’ recent impressive performances, including six goals and one assist in his last four matches, have underscored his importance to the team. Despite occasional questioning of his role as captain since assuming the position from Harry Maguire in July 2023, Mata emphasized Fernandes’ consistency on and off the pitch.
In an interview with ESPN on Thursday, Mata highlighted Fernandes’ exemplary conduct behind the scenes and his influence as a role model for younger players.
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“I can tell you that, for me, there is a great leader in there right now, which is the captain, Bruno,” Mata expressed. “I should tell all young players to look up to him. I cannot stress how important he is for the club.”
Mata lauded Fernandes’ remarkable consistency over the years and emphasized his qualities both as a player and as a person. He suggested that Fernandes should serve as the focal point for shaping the club’s culture, urging newer players like Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rasmus Højlund to emulate his work ethic and attitude.
“For me, he’s the one that is always there for the team,” Mata added. “He can play better or worse, but he’s always there with the right attitude. And for me, that’s what being a Manchester United player is.”