Fernandes: Pre-season has to be tough
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes says that pre-season is and will continue to be both tough but beneficial for the Reds, after scoring during the win over Arsenal in New Jersey.
United and the Gunners locked horns at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday, and in Bruno's first match wearing the captain's armband since he was given that honour, he notched our opener.
Thanks to a second goal from Jadon Sancho, the Reds won 2-0, and then defeated Arsenal in the exhibition penalty shoot-out that followed.
Speaking to MUTV after the match had concluded, Bruno was satisfied with United's performance in our first match of Tour 2023.
Bruno: The result was the best thing today
Despite scoring in his first match as club captain, Bruno Fernandes reacts modestly...
"It was a good game, I think everyone enjoyed it," he said. "It’s always tough to play against Arsenal, it’s a good game, a good fight.
"We had a great spirit, won the game, that’s the most important.
"We are getting minutes in our legs to get in the best shape as possible for the beginning of the season."
Bruno broke the deadlock in the first half with a powerful left-footed strike, defeating Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to hand us the advantage.
On what was his first appearance of the season, Bruno gave a modest response when discussing his own performance and achievements against the Gunners.
"It’s always great to score," he said "It’s always important for your confidence.
"It’s the first game, I’m really happy. But obviously, the result was the best thing of today."
Bruno: The result was the best thing today
Despite scoring in his first match as club captain, Bruno Fernandes reacts modestly...
Three further pre-season fixtures await the Reds in the United States, before clashes against Lens (Old Trafford) and Athletic Club (Dublin) close out our preparations for the 2023/24 campaign.
Bruno says that while pre-season training and the forthcoming matches are going to be difficult, it is an important time for the Reds to develop both tactically and physically.
"We know how the manager is, he takes care of all the details," he added. "It’s pretty tough to train with him, but this is the result.
"We have to understand that it will be tough. It’s a pre-season, [there is] a lot of training, a lot of work to do.
"It’s our second season so we have to get it better and better."
United's next Tour 2023 fixture is on Wednesday 26 July, against Wrexham in San Diego. Watch the match live on MUTV.