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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes played a key role in comforting Joshua Zirkzee after he was booed off by his own fans in December’s loss to Newcastle United.
Fernandes’ future is said to be in doubt as Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have reportedly made a huge offer for him.
Nonetheless, he has been the club’s most impressive performer once again this season with 19 goals and 20 assists in all competitions.
The midfielder has also led off the pitch as he has been spotted taking former employees to lunch after they have been made redundant by Ineos’ cuts.
His leadership skills were once again on show according to The Athletic last December.
The final game of 2024 saw United fold meekly to Newcastle. Nonetheless, the match will be remembered for Zirkzee being booed off by his own fans, as he was subbed after only 33 minutes of play.
The Dutchman was understandably distraught and headed right down the tunnel. What the cameras didn’t see however, was the role of United’s captain.
It is reported that, “Fernandes played a part in Zirkzee’s return. Watching the situation unfold from his seat in the directors’ box, while serving a suspension, Fernandes dashed down to the dressing room and rallied his team-mate, strongly advising him to face up to the crowd.”
Zirkzee clearly followed what his captain suggested and re-emerged from the tunnel before half-time to join up with the rest of his bench in the dugout.
The outlet claims, “for all his occasional histrionics on the pitch, Fernandes delivers touches like that on a regular basis behind the scenes, notably making sure he greets academy players when they first enter senior training.”
Turning attention to Zirkzee, he had a much-improved second half of the season. He began to show something of his form in Serie A before suffering a hamstring injury in April.
He did not help himself in the summer though, as “he arrived at United carrying extra weight and was required to go on a strict diet, overseen by nutritionists at the club.”
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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