Bruno Fernandes has admitted that his taste for football is instinctive and has been perfected in Portugal and Italy, while seeking European glory with Manchester United.
Fernandes enjoyed a very good campaign in the Europa League, first with Sporting Lisbon and then with United after his transfer of 47 million pounds in January to Old Trafford. He is the most sensible scorer of the festival with seven plays and revealed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recommendation to play freely has helped him in recent months.
Speaking to the UEFA striker of the Europa League semi-final, Fernandes explained what Solskjaer had told him after his match for United.
“The technician has been very clear,” he said. “He told me not to be afraid, to be only myself, that I knew very well why I had been chasing myself and what I was able to do; that I kept taking dangers in a game and with the same mindset as me. I had at Sporting; to keep giving orders in the field.
“It helped me a lot to have already played abroad, in Italy. I left Portugal very young, I had to leave a mark on football through myself, opposite everything and everyone, as they say. [Playing in Italy] helped in the fact that I am a more adult, more mature person, which facilitates installation.
“Everyone at Manchester United has been great. I had the opportunity to play [my first] league game, then we had the February recess [Premier League] – [United] had a small break in Marbella where I had a greater concept than the club’s concepts were the coach’s concepts.
“They made me know my teammates better. I had noticed them playing, but I have become aware of their qualities and discovered what I can do with the team.”
On the road that approaches the game, Fernandes instinctively admitted it. But he’s willing to keep improving and record even more goals and assists for United.
“It’s instinctive,” he added. “Over the years, because of the position I play in, I developed my ability to move and look to the future.
“When we lose the ball, I make sure I’m the first to react and ask the other attackers to help me regain possession of the ball. And, for me, it’s clear that I’m building the game, having the ball and supplying passes to my teammates to help them set goals, that’s very important.
“I think that’s what I have to do a little bit more because, yes, I provided assistance, but I may have provided more, given the quality we have at the front. I think I can get my numbers given the quality we have. front.”