Bruno Fernandes has sent a short but glowing message to Mason Mount after the midfielder impressed in Manchester United's 2-1 pre-season win over Atletico Madrid at Stockholm's Strawberry Arena.
Michael Carrick's side fell behind inside the first five minutes when Arnau Ortiz scored. Bryan Mbeumo struck twice in the second half to turn the match around.
Mount's midfield display
Mount started in a two-man midfield alongside new £52 million signing Andrey Santos. He drifted into half-spaces, linked play between midfield and attack, and created several chances. Without the ball, he led the press and won possession back on a number of occasions.
The pairing looked complementary, and it could be a combination Carrick uses more often this season, though Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to disrupt that.
Fernandes leads praise
Fernandes, who has not yet reported for pre-season due to Portugal's involvement at the World Cup, commented on Mount's Instagram post. He wrote: "Class bro" with a fire emoji.
Other United players also responded. Shea Lacey left three clapping emojis, Harry Maguire added a fire emoji and a clap, and 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, who made his first-team debut against Atletico, used a "top" emoji.
Mount on his leadership role
Mount was used in the same role against Rosenborg last Saturday and said he loves being trusted by Carrick to be a leader.
"You have different types of leaders," Mount said. "You have ones that are very vocal, but I see myself as one who leads by example and never stops working. I've been captain previously, years ago, so I love the role. Especially with a lot of younger players on the pitch, and off it as well, being able to speak to them and make them feel comfortable, it's something I really like."
