Bruno Fernandes broke dressing room silence with classy post after Man Utd boss sacked
Bruno Fernandes has divided opinion as Manchester United captain, but one piece of initiative, acting out in front of the rest of the squad put his class into perspective
Bruno Fernandes showed his leadership skills as the first Manchester United player to speak out following Erik ten Hag's dismissal. The Dutchman was given his marching orders from Old Trafford exactly a year ago on Tuesday.
Ten Hag's sacking marked a gloomy period for many associated with the club for various reasons. It suggested United may have made a mistake in retaining the manager despite his FA Cup victory over Manchester City just months before, with the team languishing in 14th place in the Premier League at the time of his departure.
Many fans had hoped for success after the excitement of that Wembley win. Instead, the same dreary atmosphere persisted around the team, who fell back into their old habits of struggling for consistent results.
However, Fernandes, who was appointed United captain by Ten Hag in July 2023, was the first to step forward. The Portugal midfielder displayed pure class as he bade farewell to the outgoing manager.
"Thanks for everything boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we share (sic) together," he wrote on Instagram, accompanied by the raised hands emoji. "I wish you all the best in the future.
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Despite the inevitable focus on the negatives of a departing manager, United experienced some highs under Ten Hag. He was just one victory away from securing a cup double in his first season, bagging the League Cup and narrowly missing out in the 2023 FA Cup final to City.
It's also worth mentioning United finished third in the league during Ten Hag's inaugural campaign. However, a dramatic fall to eighth place the following season played a significant role in his dismissal.
Fernandes would have developed a unique bond with the man who gave him the captain's armband at Old Trafford. And the 31-year-old had reason to be hopeful with the appointment of fellow Sporting CP graduate Ruben Amorim as his successor.
As fans commemorate the anniversary of Ten Hag's departure, things are finally looking up for the current boss. A 4-2 triumph over Brighton on Saturday marked United's third consecutive win since Amorim took the reins.
Fernandes and his team-mates have climbed to sixth in the league and haven't suffered a home defeat since their season-opener. Their next challenge is Nottingham Forest on Saturday as United aim to break into the top four.
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