Bruno Fernandes reveals 'fights' on Man Utd training pitch with one man inparticular

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is not one for taking it easy on the training pitch . And his relentless intensity would frequently spark "fights" with former coach Mitchell van der Gaag .

Dutch tactician Van der Gaag was part of Erik ten Hag's backroom staff following their shared time at Ajax. Yet he would regularly clash with United's skipper over trivial matters during training sessions.

While other senior figures might be tempted to let certain things go, Fernandes finds himself unable to do so. Not purely for his own benefit, though, as he demonstrated a clear understanding of how his behaviour influences the rest of the dressing room.

"I had a lot of fights with him about [calling offsides in training]," he told The Telegraph . "People already understood that, it's not in a mean way, I just want to win. If I don't put that into training, if I'm not that guy, the other ones will probably drop a bit the intensity.

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"I know certain players, they look at me and need to see me alive to understand that I'm in the game. Sometimes I need to be that guy that puts the energy, that shouts, that does things for the other ones to become better because I can do that and still focus."

That dedication to the captain's armband demonstrates Fernandes' intensity and winning mentality. Yet it also reveals the lighter side of a figure who has been instrumental in guiding United through some turbulent periods in recent years.

There have been no shortage of those in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. And while pundits have demanded leaders to step forward and take responsibility at Old Trafford during that spell, Fernandes has been more than willing to make his presence felt.

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Van der Gaag departed United in July 2024 to seek a more senior managerial role elsewhere. It wasn't until nearly a year later that he took charge at Zurich, a post he occupied for just under six months.

His timing in leaving Old Trafford proved fortuitous given Ten Hag was sacked only a few months after his own exit . Van der Gaag actually managed United himself on one occasion in November 2023, guiding the side to a 3-0 victory at Everton while Ten Hag served a suspension.

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Whatever leadership approach Fernandes has adopted at United thus far, it seems to be yielding results. The Portugal midfielder has rediscovered his finest form under Michael Carrick and could break the record for Premier League assists in a single season.

He currently boasts 17 this campaign, seven ahead of any other player. He requires just four more from the remaining six fixtures to surpass the record jointly held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry (20).

What is beyond doubt is he'll be grafting hard on the training pitch to make it a reality. And every indication suggests it's far more preferable to have Fernandes as an ally rather than an opponent, even when the stakes are low.