How Bruno Fernandes was seen treating Man Utd backroom staff says a lot about him

There's hardly a fan out there who isn't aware of the value adds on the pitch. But while the focus of much of the attention around him concerns his level of performance, many might be unaware of the morals he promotes away from the field.

With 's side failing to secure a place in Europe for next season, speculation has been rife that Fernandes could head for the exit. giants Al-Hilal have been , not to mention they possess the funds to at least tempt United into a sale.

But , seemingly committing to Old Trafford, although rumours about his future are likely to continue until the transfer window slams shut at the end of the window.

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Fernandes, who turns 31 in September, is the captain at United but previously attracted criticism for his method of leadership. United icon infamously referred to the current squad as in February and lumped much of the blame at Fernandes' feet for not coaxing more from his team-mates.

Former Red Devils manager saw a different side of the player, however. And it wasn't long after Fernandes' arrival at Old Trafford in 2020 that he gave an anecdote revealing the grounded, humble approach of a player that set him apart.

"It was off the field as well as in training," said Solskjaer on the back in July of that year. "He demands off me. He demands off his team-mates.

"The first day he was in the club, he shook everyone's hand. He didn't come in here thinking, 'I'm the big shot.' No, he shook absolutely every staff members' hand."

It's testament to a player who had just completed a £67million transfer to one of the biggest clubs in the . Needless to say many would not and do not behave with such modesty in similar positions.

Fernandes' qualities on match days are undeniable, as his award for United's Player of the Season this term will attest. He has also won the Premier League's Player of the Month award on five occasions, just two fewer than record-holder Sergio Aguero, who played in England for a decade compared to Fernandes' five-and-a-half seasons thus far.

In the post-Sir era, great talents have come and gone at United, some with only disappointment to show for their efforts. But signing those with true grit and the kind of intangibles Fernandes often exhibits has proved more rare.

One could argue seeing those leadership qualities leave would be even more damaging than losing Fernandes' on-ball ability. Genuine fighters are seemingly few and far between at Old Trafford right now, and the Portugal ace is likely the best example in the current squad.

In the event Fernandes does leave this summer, his new club will be gaining a paragon of professionalism, as well as an elite footballer. And as United's transfer history over the past decade and more goes to show, that's something money can't always buy.

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