Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has taken on more than just on-field responsibility this season. Cricket Exchange reported that the Portuguese midfielder has become a mentor to new signing Matheus Cunha, helping the Brazilian forward settle both mentally and tactically at Old Trafford. Their close bond — strengthened by their shared language — has seen them spend extra hours after training perfecting finishing and positioning drills. That effort finally bore fruit when Cunha ended his 16-game goal drought with a spectacular strike against Brighton, his first goal since April. Overcome with emotion after the win, he admitted, “It’s been a long wait. I’ve worked day and night for this moment.”

Inside the club, Fernandes is seen as the example of professionalism. Cunha, four years his junior, calls him a model of discipline and consistency. Sources within Carrington reveal that the pair often stay behind after official sessions to practice free kicks and attacking movements, building a strong connection. Fernandes also gives Cunha personal advice on managing pressure and channeling emotion — lessons the captain learned from his own early struggles in England. As one staff member put it, “Bruno doesn’t just talk about hard work; he shows it every single day.”

The midfielder’s leadership extends well beyond training sessions. In United’s 3–2 victory over Burnley earlier this season, Fernandes scored a stoppage-time penalty to secure three points, while Cunha left early due to injury. Despite nearly six years in England, Bruno has missed only two matches through injury — a remarkable record he attributes to disciplined recovery and self-management. Speaking last week, he explained that he sometimes acts frustrated in practice with new signing Bryan Mbeumo — not out of anger, but to push him to take more risks in attack.

That motivational approach has worked wonders. In the 4–2 win over Brighton, Mbeumo scored twice, including a decisive goal created by Fernandes’ clever dummy after a long pass from defender Aiden Haven. While Bruno’s own scoring record has dipped this season, coaches and teammates praise his tireless commitment to lifting those around him. Even when excused from full training, he stands on the sidelines encouraging teammates — a gesture that hasn’t gone unnoticed in Manchester’s often bleak weather.

Carrington’s newly upgraded £50 million training center features a therapy area overlooking the main pitch, yet Fernandes rarely stays indoors. Instead, he joins light recovery drills, setting an example for younger players. Last Sunday, a day after the Brighton victory, he was seen training with compatriot Diogo Dalot, while reserve players worked on conditioning nearby. Cricket Exchange observed that Fernandes’ leadership has evolved beyond tactics — it’s about setting a tone of accountability and unity. His influence on players like Cunha and Mbeumo shows why he’s not just United’s captain, but the heartbeat of a team still rediscovering its identity.