Bruno Fernandes is delighted with the ‘honour’ of captaining Manchester United against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, but insists it changes nothing of the dynamic in the team.
Fernandes will wear them armband during the Champions League trip to Paris with Harry Maguire out injured and missing the contest.
The Portuguese only arrived at Old Trafford in January but has already become a key figure in the side and is a natural leader on the pitch.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only let Fernandes know of his new role in the pre-match press conference when he was sat next to his midfield general and asked who would be his captain on Tuesday.
‘We hope Harry will be fit for the weekend,’ said the Norwegian. ‘The captain sits next to me, Bruno will captain the team tomorrow.’
Fernandes responded with pride, saying: ‘I was not expecting this – I found out this the same time as you! It is an honour, an important achievement for me.
‘The captain is everyone – everyone needs to help, be a leader on their way. The leadership is different in every player. It is not about me, but about the team.’
‘I think I grow up like this, you know?’ Fernandes explained. ‘It is the way I have to be. Sometimes it is too much, but I think I can help the team with the way I am.
‘All players are different and you need all those characters to complete the team.’
Solskjaer has been full of praise for Fernandes since his arrival and nothing has changed as he hails his impact.
‘Bruno has come in and had great impact with all the stats showing that,’ said the manager.
‘His performances have been receiving real great praise as well. Not changed the team, but sparked the team.’
