Having arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting in the winter 2020 market, Bruno Fernandes hit the ground running and instantly became a fan favourite.
The 26-year-old finished the last campaign with eight goals and seven assists in the Premier League, while he had five more goal contributions in other competitions last season.
This term, the Portugal international has netted 12 times and assisted his teammates on nine occasions in the league.
During a detailed interview with Norwegian TV channel TV2, the attacking midfielder evaluated his first year with the Red Devils.
Fernandes spoke about the importance of having the confidence of his manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“I think everyone knows he gives the players a lot of confidence. The conversations we had when I came here were very important to me, because he always said I should express myself,” he said.
The former Sampdoria man has ‘great respect’ for the Norwegian, who continues to demand a lot from his player.
“Over time, he has started to demand more and more of me, and I think it is important that I demand a lot back. Because it’s a sign that we have things to improve and you always have to improve,” Fernandes explained.
The midfielder has also been at the receiving end from Solskjaer during his first year in England.
“He has his moments, like everyone else. I think he’s been really mad at me twice. It’s not so much, I’ve played 54 games now. During those games he’s been mad at me twice, it’s not bad, so I’m happy with that,” Fernandes stressed.
“But I think it’s important. Sometimes he has to be calm, other times he has to scream and yell at his players.
“It’s about how you can get the best out of the players. For me, it works well that he’s angry sometimes. I don’t want to be one of those players no one demands things of. I want both him and teammates to set requirements for me when I don’t do the right things.”
Fernandes’ comments suggest there’s a lot of expectation for him to further improve his game. The Portuguese star has now set his sights on winning trophies with Manchester United.
“We have to focus on the trophies. That’s what it’s all about. We need to focus on all the tournaments we’re in,” he added.
“Now we’re still in three tournaments. Now it’s first the Premier League, then the FA Cup and then the Europa League begins. I think we have to think we’re going to win all those tournaments. We have the chance to do it and we have to believe that it is possible.
“Trophies. That’s what it’s all about for us and the club. The most important thing for us and this club is to win trophies and everyone knows that. It doesn’t matter what trophy we win, but I hope we can win all three.”
