Fernandes relishing Elland Road atmosphere

The midfielder scored a hat-trick against the Yorkshiremen in the first game of the season and, although he played at the Whites' home patch last term, it will be a very different experience this time around after the 0-0 draw took place behind closed doors.

Leeds fans have been waiting since 2003 to attend a Premier League home match against the Reds, when Roy Keane scored the winner, although we did win 3-0 there in a League Cup tie in 2011.

When asked about the hostile environment that will greet United at the weekend, Bruno said it will be something that can inspire him.

“Yeah, already last season, without fans, people were telling me about that," he explained to us. "My team-mates were saying that this is a tough place to be as a Manchester United player but I like that kind of atmosphere.

“I like when everything is against you because it makes you give a little bit more and be a little bit better. You also know the fans will be there for you, to make them be proud of you and give something back to them because they will go there to support us, for sure.”  

Fernandes, who scored his eighth Premier League goal of the season to clinch the three points against Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek, is used to experiencing fierce rivalry from his time in Lisbon with Sporting and knew he would appreciate these kind of contests when he arrived in England a couple of years ago.

“Of course, when you come to the club, you know there’s a lot of big games in England, big teams and a lot of strong teams," he added. "Even people who don’t consider them to be big teams are always tough to play against.

“Obviously, we know the games the fans feel more – the Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester City ones. They want for us to win more than anyone else but I think the fans love to see us win and that’s most important. And the most important for us is to make as many wins as possible, as we can.”