It’s a real shame there are those out there who believe Bruno Fernandes is not the right man to wear the captain’s armband at Manchester United.
Honestly, what more could you really want from a skipper? Bruno Fernandes never misses a game – ruled out only twice due to injury in over four years – he always leads by example.
And, in the build up to the FA Cup triumph over Man City at Wembley, the Portuguese prince left no one in any doubt about how he feels about his beloved club with a heartfelt message to the Manchester United supporters in the Player’s Tribune.
Fernandes let both his words and his actions do the talking that week.
While the Red Devils fans were still dabbing tears from their eyes in response to his impassioned letter, brilliant Bruno then set up Kobbie Mainoo’s winner with a sublime assist that appeared to descend from heaven itself.
And when Facundo Pellistri confirmed his departure from Old Trafford on Wednesday, it came as no surprise to see Bruno Fernandes among the first to respond.
Bruno Fernandes reacts to Manchester United exit
Man United’s talismanic skipper believes that ‘big things are coming’ for Pellistri too, a move to Panathinaikos likely to see the 22-year-old Uruguayan go from fringe player to star man in Athens.
“Hermanito, was a pleasure to meet you and play alongside you,” Fernandes writes on Instagram. “Clearly, he has a way with words.
“If there’s someone that deserves everything good in a football career, it’s you! An example of professionalism and humility.
“Big things are coming to you soon I’m pretty sure.”
Pellistri’s response, meanwhile, was similarly gracious. And, for all those who feel the captain’s armband should be clasped around someone else’s bicep, we draw your attention to the final sentence of Pellistri’s message.
“The pleasure was mine to share and play with you!,” the former Penarol startet writes. “What a player and, the most important thing, what a guy. Thank you for always being behind me and behind every player at this club.
“You are the definition of captain.”
Panathinaikos land Facundo Pellistri
Pellistri, having started only one Premier League game in three years as a Man United player, is the latest to leave in a summer of change at Old Trafford.
He joins Panathinaikos for just £5 million, albeit the Red Devils have secured a 45 per cent sell-on clause.
Pellistri, a former Granada and Deportivo Alaves loanee, arrives in Greece hoping to end Panathinaikos’ 13-year wait for domestic glory. If available, a debut could come as early as Thursday night.
Diego Alonso’s side face RC Lens of Ligue 1 in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.
“Pellistri is here. We will see if we can use him, possibly (against Lens) or in the next match,” says Alonso, his former Uruguay coach speaking to Prasinoforos.
“The player is ready.
“I had a chat with him. He has had very good physical preparation at United. He had a longer holiday period because he played in the Copa America,” Alonso explains.
“The work periods there are not the same as those here, so we will have to adapt him to our own plan. I will ask for patience.”
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
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