Bruno Fernandes has revealed he never takes up Erik ten Hag’s offer of a rest at Manchester United, explaining how he knows the day will come when he won’t be given the choice.
The playmaker has never missed a Reds match through injury, only ever being ruled out through yellow card suspensions or illness. Ten Hag has at times decided to rest the 28-year-old, but seemingly not by the player’s own choice.
Speaking to CM Sport while on international duty with Portugal, Fernandes explained why he never opts for the bench when Ten Hag asks if he wants a breather.
He said: “It was a childhood dream to play for Manchester United and whenever the manager asks me if I want to rest, I say I’m always ready to play.
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"There will come a time when I will be less used, so I want to make the most of the opportunities that the coaches give me now.”
Fernandes has missed just 11 games since his arrival at Old Trafford in January 2020. In the time since then, he has amassed 185 appearances, scoring 64 goals and assisting 54 more.
Furthermore, he has failed to feature in just one of Portugal’s last 29 matches, remaining on the bench in the final World Cup group stage match against South Korea with his nation already through to the knockouts.
Including his appearances for his country, Fernandes has played in 68 matches this season and will likely end it having featured in 70 with Portugal set to play Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday and Iceland on Tuesday.
Asked if he's struggling with the number of games he's played this season, Fernandes said: “I present myself with the same energy and will. Obviously the minutes are piling up, but I’m prepared to do my best because it’s a huge honour to be here. Fatigue will have to wait two more games. It is postponed for the holidays.”
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