Loan Watch: Bernard hoping to emulate Axel

The 20-year-old has experienced another change in manager at his loan club, with Gary Bowyer taking over the reins. After working hard to impress, he has regained a place in the side and was outstanding in the 2-0 victory at Mansfield Town over the weekend.

 

😁 https://t.co/EkdAF6wBNf

— BigDish 🤘🏾 (@DishonBernard) April 26, 2021

Bernard's powerful display secured the right-back slot in the Team of the Week as the clean sheet helped move Salford to within two points of a play-off spot.

Inside United asked Di'Shon about his versality and the fact he can play in a variety of positions. “We change [formation] a lot, at the moment, between a three and a four,” he said. “Whatever happens, everyone is chopping and changing position and can all do a job for the team as they’re comfortable in any position.

"I’ve floated about; I’ve been in the middle, to the left sometimes and also to the right. Obviously, they’re different positions – on the right, you get to drive forward and express yourself while, in the middle, it’s more of a covering role and you make sure you’re speaking to everyone and the team is right. Wherever I am, I try to do my best.

“At the moment, I’m just concentrating on Salford and going into each game so I'm thinking we can get as far as we can. Obviously, next season, I'll be back at United and will go from there really. This league is crucial for me to go into and it has definitely made me a better player.”

Bernard, who has played once for United's first team, during the Europa League tie away to Astana in Kazakhstan, missed Salford's victory at Wembley in the Papa John's final, held over from the previous season, and the chance to celebrate success at the famous stadium, as he was ineligible after appearing for our Under-23s in the 2019/20 competition.

However, if the Ammies can reach the play-off final, it would give him a chance to emulate Axel Tuanzebe, who was a key part of the Aston Villa team that defeated Derby County in the end-of-season promotion system back in 2019. Tuanzebe has always been someone to look up to for the fellow Academy-raised defender.

"Axel is a good example for me to take," he explained. "That shows everyone's development is different. He went out on loan to Aston Villa did his thing, came back to United and got a few games under his belt.

“So he is definitely someone to look up to."

Salford are away at Bradford City tonight (Tuesday) as they look to maintain their bid for promotion to League One.