Bruno Fernandes is an ever present for Manchester United and last season he stunned staff with his ability to play through the pain barrier despite injury concerns
Bruno Fernandes’ desire to play through the pain barrier for Manchester United was best summed up by his efforts during a clash against Fulham in last year’s Premier League – a contest won by the Cottagers.
Harry Maguire’s goal in the 89th minute looked to have salvaged a point only for Alex Iwobi to score in the seventh minute of injury time. But it was Fernandes’ ability and motivation to play the entire game that really left some of the club’s staff stunned. The Portuguese playmaker was subjected to a nasty tackle, hitting his ankle hard.
The Telegraph reports that the challenge left his ankle looking like a “f***ing melon”. Another individual claimed it was “so swollen it looked like it had been operated on”. The loss seemingly adding insult to injury.
Those at the club were already preparing for the FA Cup fifth round tie with Nottingham Forest without him. The trip to the City Ground was in just four days, but Fernandes, having pushed through the pain barrier, set about his recovery.
A member of staff remembers being due to leave Carrington around 5pm one night that week before seeing a person from a distance hobbling from the ice bath to the jacuzzi. It was Fernandes. The skipper had been in there for two hours, moving from one to the next in a cycle of so-called “contrast bath therapy” as he tried to reduce the swelling and improve his chances of playing.
READ MORE: Man Utd confirm squad for Europa League final vs Spurs after surprise triple injury boostREAD MORE: Harry Maguire names manager who has helped him through ‘negative times’ at Man Utd
United, en route to shocking Manchester City in the final to win the FA Cup, managed to beat the Nottingham outfit thanks to an 89th minute goal from Casemiro. Fernandes would play the entire game despite his injury issues leading up to the clash.
A year on and the former Sporting Lisbon ace has continued to be the talismanic figure that has carried the team in what has been another poor season. Last season United finished eighth, their worst finish in the Premier League era, but currently sit 16th with one game of the campaign remaining.
Fernandes’ durability is among his greatest qualities and he’s produced one of his best seasons in front of goal. He’s closing in on 40 goal involvements with two games of his season remaining. Al-Hilal have made the United man one of their main targets this summer, but Amorim has maintained he’s going nowhere.
He said: “I want Bruno here because we want to win the Premier League again, so we want the best players to continue with us. He’s 30, but he’s still so young, because he plays 55 games every season. Between assists and goals, he’s there for 30 at least, so he’s the type of player we want here and he’s not going anywhere.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
