Even as one of Manchester United’s more potent goalscorers hopes for a diminished role, another shows no signs he will step down. Ruud van Nistelrooy bows out as interim manager unbeaten and with the highest win percentage in the club’s history – 75 per cent, albeit from just four games – but Bruno Fernandes underlined why he ought to remain central under Ruben Amorim.
A landmark appearance offered an illustration of what he can bring. Fernandes was presented with a framed shirt to mark his 250th United appearance. He then decided it, presenting his case to carry on in United’s colours. It may have felt more pressing because of the imminent arrival of another Portuguese from Sporting CP.
