How Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes treated Old Trafford staff says a lot about him

Most fans are well aware of the value Bruno Fernandes brings to the field. But not as many may be aware of the off-field habits that have made him such a hit at Old Trafford.

With the Red Devils having missing out on qualification for Europe next season, there's been relentless chatter about Fernandes' potential exit. The latest whispers involve a lucrative offer from titans Al-Hilal, who boast the kind of financial muscle that could make the transfer a possibility. Yet the midfield maestro has to Saudi Arabia and affirmed his commitment to United. That being said, speculation over a potential departure looks certain to persist until the transfer window concludes at the end of August.

Fernandes, 30, has held the captain's armband at Old Trafford for two seasons but has faced flak over his style of leadership. United legend Roy Keane savaged the current squad as back in February, singling out Fernandes for failing to inspire his peers.

On the flip side, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer witnessed a different facet of Fernandes' character. And the Norwegian highlighted his humble and down-to-earth nature soon after the player joined the Red Devils in January 2020, underscoring attributes that elevate him beyond sheer footballing prowess.

Solskjaer heaped praise on Fernandes during an appearance on the back in July 2020: "It was off the field as well as in training. 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."

This humility is all the more remarkable considering Fernandes had just joined the Red Devils for a whopping £67million. While others might let such a move go to their heads, Fernandes has shown nothing but modesty.

On the field, Fernandes' brilliance is unquestionable, as his United Player of the Season award would attest. He also has five Premier League Player of the Month awards under his belt, only two shy of Sergio Aguero's all-time record.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, United have seen many talented players come and go, often leaving fans disheartened. However, finding players with Fernandes' resilience and character has been a much tougher objective.

The loss of Fernandes' leadership could arguably hit United harder than missing his technical skills. In a squad that's crying out for real leaders, the Portuguese playmaker stands out as a beacon of hope at Old Trafford.

Should Fernandes depart this summer, his new club will be acquiring a model of professionalism, as well as a top-tier footballer. And as United's transfer history over the past decade and more demonstrates, that's something money can't always secure.