‘A lot of character’ – Portuguese starlet wants to follow Bruno Fernandes’ footsteps

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·22 de outubro de 2024

‘A lot of character’ – Portuguese starlet wants to follow Bruno Fernandes’ footsteps

Gil Vecente youngster Goncalo Maia has revealed that he wants to follow in Bruno Fernandes’ footsteps.

After being promoted to Gil Vicente U23s last season, the midfielder has maintained his place in the team, scoring a goal and registering three assists from seven league matches.

Vídeos OneFootball

The Portuguese youngster dedicated part of his recent interview with Record to the Manchester United captain.

The youngster credits Gil Vicente U23 coach Carlos Cunha as having had a key influence in convincing him to change his preferred role from No. 10 to No. 8 or 6.

This helps young midfielders to learn different roles and helps them become versatile for the future. Fernandes is an example of an experienced professional who is familiar with all midfield roles and can also play as a false nine, as seen in the FA Cup win over Man City in May.

“Before joining the U23 team I believed I was a 10, but coach Carlos Cunha and coordinator Luis Ricardo made me see that I could perform more I I played in the 6 or 8 position, because I have characteristics that fit better to face the game head on,” Maia said, who also spoke about his admiration for Fernandes, as cited by Sport Witness.

Bruno Fernandes is an inspiration

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“My reference for a few years, since he joined Sporting, has been Bruno Fernandes.

“He has spirit, a lot of character, he is a communicator, he organises, and I believe I can become like him because I can help my teammates adjust and I also try to get in more attacking positions.”

Fernandes has been United’s most influential player since his January 2020 switch from Sporting Lisbon. He’s starred for the club and national team since then and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that he is seen as a true inspiration in his homeland.

With 79 goals and 71 assists for United, Fernandes will go down as one of the best post-Sir Alex Ferguson signings made by the club.

United will be without Fernandes for Thursday night’s Europa League showdown with Fenerbahce.