What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: Bruno Fernandes, the key cog in Manchester United’s wheel, has expressed his belief that the team is building something special under manager Erik ten Hag.
Fernandes, who feels a debt of gratitude towards Ten Hag for standing by him during a period of intense criticism following a match against Liverpool, credits the meticulous Dutchman for revitalising the club. Under Ten Hag’s guidance, Manchester United secured a place in the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup in his first season as manager.
As the season nears its end, Ten Hag has the opportunity to achieve a domestic cup double by securing a win against cross town rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Fernandes, United’s stand-in skipper, believes that winning the FA Cup can serve as a catalyst for future success. He stated, “We are now building something we see can be special in the future. Obviously, I think if we win the FA Cup, it will give a little bit more belief that we can go into the next season and aim for bigger targets.”
Fernandes expressed his desire to win trophies at Manchester United and acknowledged that the club is taking steps in the right direction to achieve success. He commended Ten Hag for instilling a winning mentality and demanding excellence from the players. The Portuguese playmaker believes that Ten Hag has been instrumental in changing the team’s mindset and ensuring that players do not become complacent.
Despite some setbacks during the season, such as a devastating 7-0 defeat against Liverpool, Ten Hag has remained supportive of Fernandes. The captain revealed that the manager appreciates his dedication and passion for the game. Fernandes emphasised that Ten Hag has protected him and provided constructive feedback through individual meetings, fostering an environment of respect and accountability.
Captaining Manchester United to their first domestic cup double would not only repay Ten Hag’s support but also hold significant meaning for the fans.
The only team to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season is Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1999 squad, making Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City even more significant.
Fernandes acknowledged the fans’ desire to prevent Manchester City from achieving a treble but stressed that the players’ main focus is on winning the trophy for themselves, the club, and the supporters.
He stated, “The importance of this for us is winning another trophy, making sure we end the season in the best way possible. We know if we win the trophy, the consequence of that is Man City cannot do the treble anymore.”
