Bruno Fernandes is happy with the ‘honour’ of captaining Manchester United against French side Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, but says it changes nothing about the team.
Fernandes will wear the club’s armband during the Champions League clash against Paris with Harry Maguire currently out injured and missing the Champions League game.
The Portuguese midfielder only arrived at the club in the January window but has already become a big figure in the team and is a natural leader on the pitch.
United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only let Fernandes know of his new role in the pre-match press conference when he sat next to the player and asked who would be his captain on Tuesday night.
‘We hope Harry will be fit for the weekend,’ said the Norwegian. ‘The captain sits next to me, Bruno will captain the team tomorrow.’
Bruno Fernandes responded with pride, saying: ‘I was not expecting this – I found out this the same time as you! It is an honour, an important achievement for me.
‘The captain is everyone – everyone needs to help, be a leader on their way. The leadership is different in every player. It is not about me, but about the team.’
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The former Sporting star was also questioned about his fiery personality on the field, which he says can get out of hand at times.
‘I think I grow up like this, you know?’ Fernandes explained. ‘It is the way I have to be. Sometimes it is too much, but I think I can help the team with the way I am. All players are different and you need all those characters to complete the team.’
Solskjaer has been full of praise for the 26-year-old since his arrival at Old Trafford and nothing has changed as he hails his impact.
‘Bruno has come in and had great impact with all the stats showing that,’ said Solskjaer. ‘His performances have been receiving real great praise as well. Not changed the team, but sparked the team.’
