Bruno Fernandes has revealed his family are behind his outstanding fitness record since joining Manchester United.
The Portuguese has played 223 matches in all competitions since moving to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020.
His only absence came in March 2022, when he missed United's 3-2 win over Tottenham through illness. So far
Since making his professional debut for Novara in the 2012-13 season, Fernandes has only missed another three games for club and country.
He was absent for Sampdoria's 2-1 defeat against Naples in January 2017 because of flu and in March 2019 he missed Portugal's Euro 2020 qualifiers against Ukraine and Serbia because of a dead leg.
On Sunday, Fernandes played all 120 minutes of United's epic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals despite hobbling throughout extra-time.
When asked about his remarkable stamina, Fernandes admitted his family deserved most of the credit.
'I just have to be grateful for my father and my mum because they made me the right way, the strong way,' he told reporters.
'They've been here for the last two games and they give me that extra energy, with my kids and my wife, they always take care of me.
"My wife does a great job at home to give me as much rest as I can. It's difficult when you have two kids at home and they want to play.
'My youngest one wants to play football all the time, but I get my rest, my naps, everything I need, because she's there to help me. Part of this record is my family.'
Fernandes' performance on Sunday was made even more impressive by the fact he was deployed as a make-shift centre-back with United chasing the game while 3-2 down in extra time.
The Portuguese lined up alongside Harry Maguire and often allowed his teammate to venture forward to provide an aerial threat.
And the 29-year-old insisted he was happy to sacrifice himself for the greater good.
'I do what's needed to win games,' he explained.
'I don't mind. It wasn't in the plan, it was trying to go man-marking on the pitch, but I felt at moments I could jump on their midfielders and at moments, I could drop a little bit to help H [Harry Maguire] because obviously, they have a lot of pace up front.'
'I don't mind, but when I'm far away from the goal, I can't get my goals and assists! But they can't score anyway because I was a centre-half in my early career, so I still got something from that.'
gm11
0
Yeah if only the rest of the team ran as much as you we wouldn't be struggling as much. Feels like sometimes he's the only one running sometimes even the only one trying 😂 Fred was good for running too
Achadbt
0
Congratulations Bruno 😘
Euphoriaa
0
this guy doesn't involve in duels which is very important for midfielder in modern football, he's just doing counter with the ball, how do you expect him to pick injury?
Bruno nor dey mark at all just counter attack finish
Blvckmvn
2
I love Bruno’s complains and monas when he’s fouled, this is also one of the secret that’s keeping from injuries. since 100years and he’s still not injured? I was even wondering if he was a machine😂😂😂
Hapacenyz
1
I love this guy, Very talented in his role, passionate, and a great captain. 🏅
Iconwonder
1
Bruno is a great guy all round, the only problem he has is that he lets his passion overwhelm him…
Iconwonder
0
this guy doesn't involve in duels which is very important for midfielder in modern football, he's just doing counter with the ball, how do you expect him to pick injury?
You’re talking rubbish, do you even know what you’re saying lmao 🤣, Bruno is everywhere… the only problem he has is let his passion overwhelm here , stop hating on someone who doesn’t know you exist, Kevin Debruyne and Nkunku and so many more , how many Ariel duel do they win ???
Feyacdilnz
2
Genius, now I understand your captaincy. Keep it up. That's why Klopp got confused seeing at Center back and Maguire upfront striking.
camdekptu
0
this guy doesn't involve in duels which is very important for midfielder in modern football, he's just doing counter with the ball, how do you expect him to pick injury?
mupamsty
19
Those who say Bruno doesn't deserve to be the captain simply bcz he complains a lot when chips are down, they know not what they're talking about. Funny enough all these so called legends they pretend as if they were 100percent they had no flaws. They like to talk so bad about the current players they don't admit that they also had their bad games they also had their worst days in their offices but when they criticise the current players they don't mention any of their mistakes they behave like saints. We know them all they can't lie to us. We watched them we saw their flaws we saw their attitudes we saw their off form etc[ko]
facalmnouz
2
well done capitanio
Pawaceiklt
3
good family you bro good wife am happy for you my best captain
C-E-O-ENZO17
2
Amazing man
snapsv
2
Good