Erik ten Hag has said they are very much in contact with Jadon Sancho as they face a pivotal decision on his future in the summer.
The manager was speaking to the press in the embargoed section in the buildup to the game against Crystal Palace and he touched on various topics.
He pointed out Bruno Fernandes’ grit and personality as an example for other players at the club to look up to and aspire to be.
He said: “Taking responsibility is one of the biggest assets nowadays that top footballers have to show and deliver.
“Bruno always delivers, he’s always available, he never misses a game, always plays at a good level and is always giving energy to the team. Such assets are necessary to be successful.”
Ten Hag said the Portuguese’s capacity to play through the pain barrier has been “unbelievable”, pointing out a recent example that will raise Fernandes’ standing in the fans’ eyes even more.
He said: “Bruno is a real fighter. Last year, for instance, when we played Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final, he played with an ankle that was so thick it was unbelievable. He couldn’t run, but he was still on the pitch. What is fair enough to say is that Bruno is a very good example for many other players.”
The manager also rejected any claims that Fernandes’ future at the club is in doubt, saying he “definitely” sees the player seeing out his contract at the club at the very least.
He said: “I haven’t even asked him (about his future), because I know he is Manchester United and I think he is very happy to be here.”
Finally, he revealed that Jadon Sancho’s good performances at Dortmund aren’t going unnoticed, keeping the door open for a potential return.
He said: “There was a conflict and let’s first finish the season. So stay away from this issue now, it is not important.
“We are visiting games. We visited, I would not say all of the games, but we have seen more games from Dortmund where Jadon was performing.
“We also had a visit with him, we had a talk with him during his stay there and we will keep going with this process, we will continually be in contact and communicate. We have four important games in the league and then the FA Cup final, so we will see in the summer what’s going to happen.”
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