Bruno Fernandes sends two-word endorsement to Man United star after Atletico

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has sent a two-word message to teammate Mason Mount after the Reds beat Atletico Madrid in Stockholm

Bruno Fernandes has hailed Mason Mount after he impressed during Manchester United’s pre-season win against Atletico Madrid.

Michael Carrick’s side went behind inside the first five minutes after Arnau Ortiz found the net for Atleti. But the Reds mounted a comeback in the second half and turned the game on its head with Bryan Mbeumo scoring a brace to earn a 2-1 win at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena.

Overall, it was an encouraging performance from United with Mount among those to stand out.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder was used in a two-man midfield alongside new £52million signing Andrey Santos and he suited that position. With the ball, he roamed in the half spaces, linked midfield to attack and created a number of chances. Then out of possession, he led the press and won the ball back on several occasions.

It felt as though Santos and Mount complimented each other in the midfield and that could be a partnership Carrick and United use more often this season, though Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to disrupt that.

But Mount is still expected to have a major role for the Reds this season and Fernandes, who still hasn’t reported back for pre-season training due to Portugal’s involvement at the World Cup, was full of praise for the former Derby County loanee on Instagram. Indeed, after Mount posted four photos from the win against Atletico in Sweden, Fernandes commented: “Class bro [fire emoji].”

Fernandes wasn’t the only player to leave a comment on Mount’s post with Shea Lacey putting three clapping emojis, Harry Maguire using a fire emoji and a clap emoji. Meanwhile, 15-year-old talent JJ Gabriel, who made his first-team debut for United against Atleti, used a ‘top’ emoji.

Mount was used in the same role for United against Rosenborg last Saturday and he admitted he ‘loves’ being trusted by Carrick to be a leader in the Reds side. “You have different types of leaders,” he said.

“You have ones that are very vocal, but I see myself as one who leads by example and never stops working. I’ve been captain previously, years ago, so I love the role. Especially with a lot of younger players on the pitch, and off it as well, being able to speak to them and make them feel comfortable, it’s something I really like.”