Old Trafford hero hailed as the ‘epitome of a proper United player’, he’s every manager’s dream

Bruno Fernandes has been hailed as the ‘epitome of a proper [Manchester] United player’ following his superb display against Crystal Palace yesterday.After last week’s dismal defeat at home to 10-man Everton, a win was absolutely essential for Ruben Amorim and his men when taking to Selhurst Park over the weekend.Then, when United trailed inside the first half through Jean-Philippe Mateta’s spot-kick, fans were sweating over the prospect of losing back-to-back games.Bruno Fernandes helps inspire second-half turnaround(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)As is so often the case for the side, Fernandes oversaw a tremendous showing to get the Reds back into the tie. While he didn’t find the back of the net himself, he set up both Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount for their goals, which sealed United’s second-half turnaround.Amorim’s squad put an end to the Eagles’ 12-game unbeaten streak on home soil by clinching all three points – and deservedly so.Fernandes’ contributions saw him surpass club legend Paul Scholes to sit fourth-placed in United’s all-time assist rankings on 56 and behind Ryan Giggs (162), Wayne Rooney (93) and David Beckham (80). 56 – Bruno Fernandes now has more Premier League assists for Manchester United (56) than Paul Scholes (55). Only Ryan Giggs (162), Wayne Rooney (93), and David Beckham (80) have provided more for the Red Devils in the competition. Climbing. pic.twitter.com/qmJW8DPZ2i — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 30, 2025Fernandes earns high praise for Eagles display (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) He was unsurprisingly named the Man of the Match by TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist in the closing stages, having put in a real skipper’s shift to turn his team’s fortunes around.“Fernandes has been the epitome of a proper United player (again) today. Ranting and raving (but constructively) pointing teammates in the right direction, operating at an intense level and contributing to both goals,” said Samuel Luckhurst on X/Twitter after the clash.The 28-year-old did concern fans before the full-time whistle blew when he was spotted walking gingerly and clutching at his hamstring. However, supporters were able to breathe a collective sigh of relief when Amorim confirmed Fernandes was ‘fine’, and had only felt a knock.