Bruno Fernandes' worth to the Manchester United cause has been underlined by two timely decisions.
For quite some time following his move from Sporting Lisbon, everything that Fernandes touched turned to gold - not to mention goals - but as the nightmare unfolded last season even the Portuguese sensation was not spared a monumental roasting from supporters, pundits and other key figures within the game.
Question marks over his compatibility with Cristiano Ronaldo lingered. Beyond that, there was simple debate as to what he could offer United and Erik ten Hag moving forward, but ongoing doubts have been met with not one but two telling off-field answers.
READ MORE: United confirm Fernandes number change
When the playmaker signed on a dotted line to extend his United contract, eyebrows were raised as Ten Hag or a would-be successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had not been formalised. In truth, though, a pathway from Amsterdam to Old Trafford had been mapped out and it was only a matter of time.
The suggestion was Ten Hag might not fancy Fernandes and the club's decision to prolong his stay was hasty. Yes, key figures in the boardroom were protecting their long-term business interests, but the salary hike was not to be ignored either, nor so the committal that Manchester would home at least one Portuguese superstar for more than the upcoming season United are gearing up for.
Despite his struggles last term - and Fernandes was not alone there - he was ultimately in credit owing to his first impressions wearing the number 18 shirt. His stock prompted a contract offer, his value also leading United to lay down an upgrade when it comes to his jersey.
"There are a lot of reasons for the No. 18. It's a number I like. The last three years I have played as No. 8 because it's the number my father had as a player and my birthday [date] and it's the number I like.
"No. 18 is also the birthday of my wife and, when I grew up, I saw Paul Scholes playing in it - and for me having this shirt and this number of an amazing player is something I will enjoy. I have a lot of responsibility."
Fernandes underlined his knowledge when opting to wear number 18 upon his arrival and that clear responsibility that he speaks about is set to be ramped up further having dropped the 'one' for next season. It acts as a symbolic gesture that Ten Hag sees him as a main man for and a driving force behind his United.
Naturally, that status has been further brought into question amid pursuits of Frenkie de Jong and free agent Christian Eriksen, who may have eyed up Juan Mata's old shirt number himself. Ultimately, though, Fernandes and Ten Hag know that he is the man in possession. It will be up to signings and existing members of the United squad to prove otherwise when their summer tour and main order of business gets underway.
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