- Amad Diallo praises Manchester United captain
- Fernandes has been a “big example” for Ivorian
- Urges teammates to help midfielder break assist record
Amad Diallo has hailed Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as a “big legend”.
Since arriving in 2020, Fernandes has become the nucleus of the side. The United man has been the club’s standout player in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era since arriving from Sporting CP.
More than most, Fernandes’ teammates spend the most time with him on a daily basis. At the age of 31, the Portuguese midfielder has spent his prime years at Old Trafford even during the darkest periods i the club’s modern-day history.
For young players breaking through, such as Amad, that example has been set well over the last few years.
READ: Latest Manchester United news and updates
Amad: Fernandes ‘Dream to Play With’
In a recent interview with Sky Sports via Danyal Khan, Amad was asked about the Manchester United captain. He was quick to highlight the impact that the 31-year-old has had on the club since his arrival.
He said: “Bruno is Bruno. He’s the player that is our dream to play (with). He’s a big legend for me and he’s been so good for the club since he arrived here in 2020.”
The Ivorian knows Fernandes all too well on the pitch. No other player has shared the pitch more with the 23-year-old on 83 occasions. Despite joining United in 2020/21, it was only following the sacking of Eric ten Hag that Amad saw his breakthrough come at Old Trafford.
He continued: “He’s a big example, a big leader, a big captain, he tries to help everyone, every young player who comes to the first team. I remember when I came here in 2021, my English wasn’t really good, but he tried to help me in Italian, because he speaks Italian, so he was the guy who was doing the translation for me. He’s the guy that is available for everyone.”
One thing both players have in common is that they spent their formative years in Italy. Fernandes played for Sampdoria at the age of 23, while Amad joined Manchester United from Atalanta as a teenager.
Amad Urges Teammates to Help Fernandes Become Assist King
As United look to end their Premier League season strongly, there is a clear consensus on helping Fernandes achieve a personal goal.
The captain is one assist shy of equalling the all-time assist record in the league with three games to go. Amad has urged his teammates to reward the captain’s hard work: “This season everyone can see how good he is, and we have to help him as a team to break that record.”
While Amad himself has not enjoyed his most prolific season in a United shirt, his development remains a priority for the club. Having a leader like Fernandes is essential for the young winger’s continual growth.
Bruno is known for demanding the highest standards, not only for himself but for his teammates. For Amad, playing alongside such standards is exactly what he needs to find his best form. By setting a “big example” every day, keeping Fernandes around will ensure that the current and next generation of United players know what it means to play for the badge.
READ MORE: Man Utd Won’t be Worried about Champions League Club Interest in Bruno Fernandes
