There were problems in the United locker room

The Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, has confessed to his inflexible approach in training, admitting that this style led to frequent clashes with former assistant Mitchell van der Gaag. The Portuguese midfielder explained that his fierce competitiveness is a deliberate tactic to maintain elite standards and prevent his teammates from lowering their intensity.

Fernandes acknowledged that he had regular "fights" with Van der Gaag during the Dutchman's time as Erik ten Hag's right-hand man. According to the player, these arguments arose from minor incidents in training, where his refusal to let decisions go reflected an obsession with winning. Although Van der Gaag left Old Trafford in July 2024, the captain assures that his demanding style has not softened.

A reason for his stance

In statements to The Telegraph, the midfielder emphasized that his vocal and confrontational character does not have a malicious background, but is necessary to motivate the group. "I had many fights with him because of that. People already understood it, it's not in a bad way, I just want to win," he stated. "If I don't bring that to practice, if I'm not that guy, the others will probably lower the intensity a bit. Sometimes I need to be the one who brings the energy, who shouts, who does things to help others improve, because I can do it and stay focused".

A new era

After the departure of the previous coaching staff, Fernandes has thrived under Michael Carrick's direction. The former Sporting CP player has regained his best form and is currently chasing the all-time record for assists in a Premier League season. His commitment to maintaining a high-pressure environment has been key to guiding the club through a turbulent era following Sir Alex Ferguson, where leadership has been questioned by external analysts.

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