Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that the Red Devils need players of Bruno Fernandes's ilk in order to be successful moving forward.
The Portugal international scored the only goal of the match against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, as Man United boosted their top-four hopes in the Premier League with a narrow victory over Unai Emery's side.
Fernandes has now scored 11 goals and registered 14 assists in 52 appearances for the 20-time English champions during the 2022-23 campaign.
The 28-year-old played through the pain barrier against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday after picking up an ankle injury in the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, and Ten Hag has lavished praise on the midfielder for his contribution this season.
"He [Bruno] is so tough. A couple of weeks ago, there was questioning about his captaincy, it's crazy, because he is such a big leader by example," Ten Hag told reporters after the match.
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"He gives so much energy to the team, besides his smartness, his determination, his passion and his resilience. So, yeah, I think this team are so happy. We need such players if you want to win games and if you want to win trophies.
"He can play several roles and also, in that perspective, you need players like Bruno to be successful. We have seen against Everton, he can play a deeper role and he brings passes. As a [no.] 10, we know what he can [do], but also from the side.
"First, he's a very good presser, he understands the moment when to close down, when to bring the opponent in trouble. He knows also when to run back, to track back, and to close passing lines to close opponents.
"So even if our press gets beat, he knows when to get back and then, of course, he can play in between the lines and give the pass, but also, he can for himself get behind the lines. He has so many skills and it's a pleasure to work with players like him."
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Meanwhile, Fernandes told MUTV after the match: "I'm happy to never be in a condition that doesn't make me get out of games. But, obviously, I had a knock in the FA Cup semi-final and that still hurts a little bit. But I can play. I can still help the team and when the manager needs me.
"I will be available for the team to help because I think it's important to me to play as much as I can. But obviously, I want to try to be in the best condition and try to not get ill and everything like that. Trying to eat healthy enough to be in the best conditions to play every game.
"It's still some work to do. Obviously, we are in a great position. We are in the top four and we have to be there. We have to maintain our position and keep winning games to be in the Champions League next season because this is what this club deserves.
"These players deserve to play in this kind of competition, playing against the best teams in the world, and we will give everything to be in the top four. Our aim is always to win trophies and, luckily this year although our aim is to win the Premier League, that is not there anymore, but we have to aim for the top four and for the FA Cup final."
Man United are currently fourth in the Premier League table, seven points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, with a game in hand on Jurgen Klopp's side.
Matt Law
