Since Erik ten Hag took the helm at Manchester United last summer, one player has consistently shone brightly – the newly appointed United captain, Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese midfielder has undoubtedly been the standout performer for the club this season, both in terms of his consistent displays on the pitch and his leadership qualities, making him the natural choice for the captain’s armband.

However, one aspect of Fernandes’ game that has faced criticism is his relatively lower passing accuracy when compared to other midfielders in the league. Fernandes’ passing style leans heavily toward risk and reward. His occasionally wayward passes are often forgotten when he delivers a match-winning assist.

During an interview with Sky Sports News, the Dutch manager shed light on how he’s working to refine Fernandes’ game: “We have to support him and give him the confidence to keep doing what he does because he is a genius at providing that final pass. It demands a lot – intelligence and the personality to keep trying even when it doesn’t go right several times.”

Fernandes, it is abundantly clear, possesses the character and the mental fortitude to persist with his ambitious passes, even in the face of adversity.

Despite his occasional waywardness, Fernandes has shown he can play deeper and adapt to different roles, including playing out wide, which might be required in the upcoming match against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Fernandes is arguably Manchester United’s best signing, and under the guidance of the Dutch manager, he continues to evolve and improve, despite his lower passing accuracy.

“While I do wish he could improve his pass completion rate, I still want him to impact the game in the same manner with those crucial and decisive passes. That is his objective,” Ten Hag concluded.

A more well-rounded Bruno Fernandes, who can enhance his passing accuracy while preserving the risk and reward dimension of his game, would undoubtedly make him an even more formidable midfield presence, sending a message to the rest of the Premier League.