In a landmark moment for Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe praises Bruno Fernandes as the midfielder celebrates his 250th appearance, highlighting his unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership during a pivotal time for the club.
In a significant gesture of acknowledgment, Sir Jim Ratcliffe expressed his appreciation for Bruno Fernandes on Sunday afternoon, as Manchester United’s midfielder celebrated an impressive milestone – his 250th match for the club. Fernandes achieved this landmark during the Premier League encounter against Leicester City at Old Trafford, a feat that drew attention from the club's ownership.
The 30-year-old Portugal international made his move to United from Sporting CP in January 2020, and he has since become a crucial figure in the midfield, seldom missing a game during the tenures of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, and Erik ten Hag. His reliability is noteworthy, as Fernandes has participated in 156 out of a possible 163 Premier League matches since September 2020.
A player with such resilience and dedication truly merits acknowledgment, and that is precisely what he was given by Ratcliffe, the INEOS chief and part-owner of the club, prior to the kick-off on Sunday. Fernandes received a signed, framed jersey to celebrate his 250 appearances, featuring the inscription 'Fernandes 250' on the back, along with images highlighting his greatest moments in a United shirt.
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy also honored Fernandes' remarkable work ethic and professionalism before the match. Looking back on the midfielder's arrival in 2020, van Nistelrooy emphasized the physical and mental challenges of maintaining such consistency over an extended timeframe. 'When you think about it, from January 2020 to November 2024, there’s no need to explain how fit one must be to participate in all these matches,' van Nistelrooy remarked to MUTV. 'But it's also about how professional you are. He serves as an example of how to approach the game, both as a professional and, of course, as a captain guiding the team.'
Indeed, Fernandes has emerged as a model player at Manchester United, not just through his performances on the field but also by establishing the highest standards for his teammates at Carrington. His leadership as captain is evident both in games and in training, making him an essential presence in the dressing room. Van Nistelrooy remarked, 'In that role, he serves as a role model for how to be the best professional possible while also supporting others in various situations - both on and off the field. He exemplifies what it means to be a great player and a fantastic captain.'
The celebration of Fernandes' milestone was tinged with bittersweet emotions, as it signified the conclusion of an era under Erik ten Hag, with Ruben Amorim poised to take over as manager on November 11. Following Sunday’s match, Fernandes will link up with the Portuguese national team, but his return to Manchester United will herald the beginning of a new era, where his leadership and contribution to the team will be essential under Amorim’s direction.
As a new chapter approaches, Fernandes’ dedication, professionalism, and unwavering aspiration to guide Manchester United will undoubtedly endure. With the club gearing up for Amorim’s debut as manager, it is evident that Fernandes serves as a pivotal figure both on the field and in the locker room – a stable presence during this transitional phase.
