Juan Mata has told Manchester United they should build the club’s culture around captain and ‘great leader’ Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese star, 29, has found a rich vein of form as the season nears its climax, scoring six goals in his last six outings.
That hasn’t necessarily eased the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag with his side struggling for much of the season.
United could only draw 1-1 at home to relegation-threatened Burnley on Saturday in their latest disappointing result.
While Fernandes has been criticised for his on-pitch demeanour in the past, ex-United midfielder Mata believes his consistency of performance makes him a role model.
Juan Mata has told Man United to build their entire club culture around captain Fernandes
Portuguese playmaker Fernandes has been criticised in the past for his sulky demeanour
Former United midfielder Juan Mata is certainly a fan of in-form Fernandes
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‘I can tell you that for me, there is a great leader in there right now, which is the captain, Bruno,’ Mata told ESPN+.
‘I should tell all young players to look up to him. I cannot tell you how important he is for the club and not only because of what he’s done in the last games, scoring two goals and winning the game [against Sheffield United in midweek], but the consistency within the years that he’s been playing for the club is just incredible.
‘He’s a top, top player, but he’s even better as a person. So, for me, the culture of the club should be built around him.
‘He’s a great example for all the new generation, the players that are playing now for the team, [Alejandro] Garnacho, [Kobbie] Mainoo, [Rasmus] Hojlund, to look up to him the way he trains, the way he behaves.
‘For me, he’s the one that is always there for the team. He can play better or worse, but he’s always there with the right attitude.
‘And, for me, that’s what being a Manchester United player is.’
Fernandes has scored 15 goals and contributed 11 assists for United during a season of frustration for the most part.
The Portuguese playmaker has completed the full match in every Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup fixture he has been involved with.
Mata said Fernandes is the perfect role model for young United players like Kobbie Mainoo
It was another frustrating afternoon for Erik ten Hag and United as they were held by Burnley
The only games he has missed this season were the goalless league draw at Liverpool – while serving a yellow card suspension – and Carabao Cup third round tie against Crystal Palace, when he didn’t come off the bench.
United are next in action when they travel to Crystal Palace a week on Monday.
The draw with Burnley left them sixth in the table, some 13 points behind Aston Villa in the fourth Champions League spot.
Although they have reached another FA Cup final – where they’ll play Manchester City on May 25 – even winning that might not be enough to save Ten Hag’s job.
