Joe Lewis waxes lyrical over impression Bruno Fernandes made on him last season | OneFootball

Free agent goalkeeper Joe Lewis, who spent last season training at Carrington to maintain his fitness, has waxed lyrical on Bruno Fernandes’ leadership and footballing skills.

Despite wonderful performances being a regular feature of Fernandes’ time at Old Trafford, he has still been frequently criticised by pundits.

Former United players Roy Keane and Paul Ince both lambasted the player’s leadership skills last year when he was named captain of the team, taking over from Harry Maguire.

In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, when speaking on Fernandes, Lewis had a markedly different view when he stated, “what stood out more than anything was his leadership qualities. He was also fantastic in that sense.”

“He’d lead by example in training and he’s just a really good guy. He’d spend time with me, someone he didn’t know, who was just a training goalkeeper, and we’d sit down at lunchtime.”

The 36 year old commented that he was unsure what the captain would be like in person but was grateful that he made such effort with a person who wasn’t even really part of the first team.

Lewis then spoke out on something fans do get to see more regularly, which is Fernandes’ fantastic finishing technique.

“Bruno has a wand of a right foot and has unbelievable technique. The way he strikes the ball, the top spin he puts on it, it looks like the ball is going over the bar and it somehow dips in, going in under the side of the bar. You get used to it after a little while, once you’ve faced over 2000 shots from him, but it was honestly brilliant to watch.”

The former Aberdeen keeper was so impressed that he claimed he was the “best finisher” at the club, even ahead of attackers Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.

Lewis continued to lavish praise on the United captain and complimented his work ethic and drive.

“He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever seen and there’s loads of hard workers at United. Every day, he works on shooting, his first touch and he’s out there training longer than any player at the club.”

None of this will come as a surprise to those who regularly watch the Red Devils as Bruno’s passion and will to fight for the team are two of his most appealing characteristics. This was summed up in his massive effort to win the ball in a tight spot and start the move that resulted in Joshua Zirkzee scoring the late winner last Friday night against Fulham, despite clearly being exhausted.

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