Fernandes defends being 'naturally intense', denies bad temper as captain

Bruno Fernandes has been criticised in recent weeks for taking his role as captain "too seriously" with his Manchester United teammates. The Portuguese midfielder took time out to explain his behaviour in an interview with 'A Bola'.

"This [being demanding] often conveys the image of bad temper, because it comes from the way we experience the game, from how we are so intense... and intense players are difficult to understand," he began.

"I have this notion that there are probably a lot of people who don't like certain things I do, but in every locker room I go to, I always say that if a player doesn't feel comfortable with the way I talk to him, with the way I I convey the message to you, I am open to not doing it or to trying to do it in another way."

The Portugal international has been leading his team all season, being praised by some reporters for his commitment but also criticised. "It's a little natural. I don't think much about this issue. Many times it goes well, many times it goes badly.

"There are people who like it, others who don't like it. There are people who see pointing as bragging, because for us in the field it is difficult to convey messages in the way we are here talking. It's practically impossible," he continued.

"It's like I say. It comes a little natural to me, it's not because I want to be more of a leader. It's part of my game. I never hid, regardless of whether I was with older or younger players," Fernandes concluded.