Image Credits: Imago Images
Bruno Fernandes has long been Manchester United’s driving force on the pitch, but his leadership extends beyond matchdays.
United’s struggles have continued this season, currently sitting in bottom half of the Premier League table.
The club have seen numerous managers come and go over the years.
The team have lacked the quality, depth and balance to compete at the top.
Fernandes arrived at the club under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, where he has since seen plenty of managers depart.
The Portuguese has developed into the main leader of the dressing room, regularly showcasing his leadership qualities on-the-pitch.
However he has been working hard off-the-pitch, in attempt to lift spirits.
Confirmation of a team bonding session was reported by CentreDevils, earlier in February.
Bruno Fernandes at forefront of team bonding session
According to Chris Wheeler’s report for the Daily Mail, Fernandes personally organised and paid for a team bonding session on February 19, bringing players and staff together.
The evening began at Lane7 in Altrincham, where Fernandes and over 50 others enjoyed tenpin bowling, pool, and darts.
That was before heading to Brazilian restaurant Jardim Rodizio Grill, as per the Daily Mail’s report.
Fernandes acted as the night’s host, introducing teammates in the style of a talent show compere.
The 30-year-old encouraged new signings to take part in the traditional initiation songs.
January arrivals Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven were among those called up.
As well as summer signings Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, and Noussair Mazraoui, who had missed out on the ritual during pre-season, as per the Daily Mail’s report.
The timing of the event was significant.
United had just suffered consecutive Premier League defeats to Crystal Palace and Tottenham.
Head coach Ruben Amorim had openly criticised the team, branding them one of the worst in the club’s history.
While morale among staff was low due to impending redundancies, as per the Daily Mail’s report.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
By bringing everyone together – including members of the physiotherapy, sports science, and travel departments – Fernandes hoped to foster a stronger sense of unity.
A club insider described the night as a success, noting that those involved “came away from it feeling closer than we thought,” as per the Daily Mail’s report.
However, just days later at Goodison Park, United’s struggles continued as they found themselves 2-0 down to Everton at half-time.
During the break, former Everton defender Derek Mountfield jokingly stuck out an elbow towards United’s players, but Fernandes, already frustrated, took issue with the gesture.
The exchange seemed to ignite him, as he responded with a stunning 25-yard free-kick to inspire a comeback that secured a point.
That goal sparked a remarkable run of form.
Fernandes has since scored seven times and assisted three in a seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
His tally for the season now stands at 16 goals and 15 assists, placing him among United’s all-time greats in Premier League history.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Source: Centred Devils
