Erik ten Hag, the highly acclaimed Ajax manager, recently spoke out about Bruno Fernandes’ leadership skills at Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder has been a standout player for the Red Devils ever since he arrived at Old Trafford in January 2020, with his exceptional performances and commanding presence on the pitch. In this article, we will be exploring ten Hag’s views on why Fernandes ‘leads’ Manchester United by example.
Ten Hag is well known for his tactical and leadership abilities and has been credited for his success with Ajax, including their title-winning campaigns in the Eredivisie and impressive runs in the Champions League. As someone with first-hand experience in player management, it comes as no surprise that he’d have interesting insights to share on Fernandes’ role at Manchester United.
When speaking about Fernandes in a recent interview, ten Hag hailed the midfielder’s unique qualities and praised his leadership skills. He stated that the Portuguese international commands respect from his teammates and has been able to bring positive change and attitude to the squad.
According to ten Hag, Fernandes’ work-rate, competitive nature, and passion for the game are the driving force behind his leadership qualities. These traits are evident in his performances on the pitch, where he is able to lead by example and inspire his teammates to always give their best. Fernandes is also highly valued for his ability to read the game and make crucial contributions at crucial moments, making him a key player for United.
One of the most striking aspects of Fernandes’ leadership, according to ten Hag, is the midfielder’s communication skills. The Portuguese international is known for his vocal presence on the pitch, constantly providing encouragement and direction to his teammates. This is especially important for a Premier League team like United, where the level of competition is high and the pressure to perform is intense.
Ten Hag explained that Fernandes’ communication extends beyond the pitch as well. He’s also a leader in the dressing room, where his positive attitude and work ethic have earned him respect from his fellow players. Fernandes’ ability to communicate with his teammates and foster a positive environment is crucial in building team cohesion and helping the squad achieve their goals.
Ten Hag went on to say that Fernandes’ leadership skills are not limited to just the playing squad. The midfielder has also taken it upon himself to build relationships with the club’s staff, including coaches, medical personnel, and other support staff. This has helped create a positive atmosphere around the club, where everyone feels like they contribute to the team’s success.
It’s important to note that Fernandes’ leadership qualities were not something that he developed overnight. According to ten Hag, the midfielder honed his skills over several years of playing professional football. Fernandes’ time playing in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon was particularly important, as he was already developing his leadership skills there.
Ten Hag also noted that Fernandes’ personality and background have played an important role in shaping his attitude towards leadership. The midfielder is known for his humble nature and grounded personality, which have helped him connect with his teammates on a deeper level. His upbringing in Maia, Portugal, is also said to be a factor in his leadership development, as it instilled values like hard work, determination, and resilience in him from a young age.
In conclusion, Erik ten Hag’s insights into Bruno Fernandes’ leadership qualities shed light on why the Portuguese international has become such an important figure at Manchester United. His work-rate, passion, communication, and positive attitude have all contributed to his leadership success, both on and off the pitch. It’s clear that Fernandes’ contributions have helped Manchester United make significant strides in the past year, and if he continues to lead by example, there’s no doubt they’ll continue to build on their success.