Bruno Fernandes receives a framed shirt from Sir Jim Ratcliffe to mark Man United landmark – before opening the scoring against Leicester

Bruno Fernandes was awarded a framed shirt to mark his 250th appearances for Manchester United ahead of their clash with Leicester. 

The Portuguese midfielder has been one of United’s most important players since joining from Sporting in 2020, a period in which consistently reliable figures have been relatively few and far between. 

He has been a near ever-present for the Red Devils and was named the club captain by former boss Erik ten Hag in July 2023, taking over from Harry Maguire. 

Ahead of facing Leicester, a beaming Fernandes was photographed holding a framed shirt with the number 250 and his name printed on the back as he stood next to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. 

And he marked the landmark day in style by opening the scoring against the Foxes after 17 minutes. 

The Portuguese midfielder then opened the scoring against the Foxes after 17 minutes

Fernandes curled in a short from the edge of the box after Amad Diallo found him with a superb backheel. 

The 30-year-old then thought he had got himself another goal with a header  but it later went down as a Victor Kristiansen own-goal. 

Ruud van Nistelrooy was full of praise for Fernandes ahead of his final match as United’s interim manager.  

He said via the club’s official site: ‘If you think about it, January 2020, coming in, to November 2024 and there’s no need to explain how fit you have to be, to play all these games,’ said Ruud.

‘But also how professional you are. He is an example, how he lives the game, as a professional, and, of course, as a captain leading the team.

‘Within that, as being a role model in how to be the best professional you can be and also helping others in many situations – on and off the pitch.

‘He’s a great example and a great captain.’