Bruno Fernandes has spent this season as Manchester United captain in all but name, wearing the armband whilst Harry Maguire has been out of favour.
It’s no surprise that with his club captain not warranting a place in the starting XI, new manager Erik ten Hag turned to the man who has shown his leadership since he arrived at Old Trafford. Fernandes has always been known to drive high standards - and that dates back long before he joined the Red Devils.
When Jose Peseiro took charge of Sporting Lisbon for the second time in July 2018, he knew the first thing he needed to do - convince Fernandes to stay. That was no easy task, with the squad decimated after fans invaded the training ground at the end of the previous season and numerous big-names cancelled their contracts.