Bruno Fernandes praised by manager Erik ten Hag for his leadership skills

Erik ten Hag has praised Bruno Fernandes’ leadership as Manchester United begin a pivotal 10 day period playing in four different competitions.

Fernandes has regularly been given the armband by the United boss with club skipper Harry Maguire used sparingly this season and he’s responded well particularly since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

‘First as captain, he’s an example on the pitch with the energy he puts,’ said Ten Hag about Fernandes ahead of today’s visit of Leicester City.

‘He is so important for the team in our tactical approach and transition. He’s a great example.

‘He can match and cope with the load standards that are really high and can take a lot of games. He’s a great example for everyone in the squad.’

Erik ten Hag hailed Bruno Fernandes’ leadership qualities ahead of crucial period for the club

Fernandes has stood in for Harry Maguire due to the defender being dropped to the bench

After Sunday’s league clash, United face Barcelona on Thursday in their Europa League play-off second leg with the scores tied at 2-2 and then travel to Wembley for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final with Newcastle. West Ham are the opponents next week in the FA Cup fifth round.

Ten Hag has to manage the demands on his players. ‘I will think of rotating from a tactical approach but sometimes from a load approach as well,’ he admitted. ‘We will have a look at it but once again the next game is the most important so we will play what we see is the best team.

‘We don’t look so far ahead. We just want to be better versions of ourselves and then see where it takes us at the end of April.’

Ten Hag said that his side are not looking too far ahead before important period across all competitions