Erik ten Hag Showed Fernandes Statistical Data to Reduce Long-Range Shots
"Erik told me to take less shots from the outside of the box. He showed me a board with my success rating of shots on target, shots off target, and goals. Showed me the positions where I was more effective."
About this episode
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes sat down for an emotional and revealing conversation covering his journey from Porto to becoming one of the Premier League's most influential players. The Portuguese midfielder disclosed he came within days of joining Tottenham before Sporting blocked the transfer, ultimately paving the way for his dream move to Old Trafford in January 2020. Fernandes opened up about his childhood in Porto, crediting his father with instilling a mentality of relentless self-improvement and fearlessness that has defined his career. Most striking was his admission that he rejected a contract reportedly worth £200 million from the Middle East to remain at Manchester United, explaining through tears that he has not yet fulfilled his dreams at the club. The captain revealed friction with pundit Roy Keane, whom he attempted to contact after Keane misrepresented his words to criticize his mentality, emphasizing he accepts criticism but not fabricated quotes. Fernandes also confirmed that Manchester United lacked clear organizational structure before the INEOS takeover, with players previously unclear about reporting lines and decision-making processes. He praised Michael Carrick's leadership style, noting the newly appointed permanent manager gives players tactical foundations while allowing them responsibility to adapt during matches. Throughout the interview, teammates including Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, and Tom Heaton provided testimonials emphasizing Fernandes's character and humanity off the pitch. The conversation concluded with Fernandes identifying winning the World Cup with Portugal as his ultimate career ambition, above even Premier League and Champions League glory with Manchester United.
Key takeaways
- Fernandes turned down a reported £200 million contract offer from the Middle East to remain at Manchester United because he has not fulfilled his dreams at the club.
- The midfielder was within days of joining Tottenham before Sporting blocked the transfer at the last moment in 2019.
- Fernandes sought Roy Keane's contact information to confront him after Keane publicly criticized him based on a fabricated quote.
- Manchester United lacked clear organizational structure before INEOS arrived, with players unclear about reporting lines and decision-making hierarchies.
- Erik ten Hag presented Fernandes with detailed shooting statistics showing he was more effective from certain positions, leading him to adjust his game.
- Fernandes confirmed Michael Carrick has become permanent manager and praised his approach of giving tactical foundations while allowing in-game responsibility.
- Multiple teammates including Dalot, Shaw, and Heaton emphasized Fernandes's character and humanity off the pitch rather than just his playing ability.