Bruno Fernandes opens up on Marcus Rashford partnership as Man Utd face transfer decisions

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has shed light on his former team-mate Marcus Rashford , discussing how their playing styles worked well together.

Rashford, a product of United's academy set-up, made his first-team debut in 2016 at the age of 18. He went on to rack up over 420 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, netting 138 goals and providing 78 assists.

However, following the appointment of Ruben Amorim last November, Rashford found his game time reduced and spent the latter half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa .

This season, he's plying his trade in La Liga with Barcelona , where he's scored seven times in 23 appearances to date during his loan spell.

Fernandes, meanwhile, joined United from Sporting CP in January 2020 and quickly became a key figure. In nearly six years at Old Trafford, he's clocked up over 300 appearances and was handed the captain's armband in July 2023.

Since 2020, Rashford and Fernandes have shared the pitch on more than 200 occasions, contributing to 26 goals between them.

While Fernandes has played alongside some top-tier forwards over the years, including recent summer signings Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, his on-field partnership with Rashford remains one of the most effective.

Speaking on Rio Meets on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, the 31-year-old reflected on the bonds he's forged with team-mates, both current and former, including Rashford, Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial.

"With Rashy," Fernandes said. "It was more about the type of player I am and the type of player he is.

"So the type of service he needs was kind of a match between us two. Rashy’s runs in behind were unbelievable and powerful."

It remains to be seen if the two will ever be reunited at United. The Spanish heavyweights have an option in Rashford's loan that allows them to land the forward on a permanent basis next summer for £26m.

But if Barcelona look to strike an agreement worth less than that set figure, United will have to decide whether to pull out of a deal and potentially bring Rashford back to Manchester.

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This Sunday sees Fernandes and United take on a challenging away fixture in the Premier League against surprise title-chasers Aston Villa. Then, on Boxing Day, United welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford as they look to improve their league position before the New Year arrives.

Meanwhile, Rashford and Barcelona face Villarreal away on Sunday, hoping to extend their advantage at the summit of La Liga. Following that, they'll enjoy a brief winter hiatus before resuming action in early January with another away encounter, this time against Espanyol.

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