Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is delighted with the early impact of new captain Bruno Fernandes.

Ten Hag says he also expects Fernandes to take his game to a new level this season.

He said, “I think that is why he's captain, because he has a very good personality. He is a character and he wants to contribute in his way to the team.

“And it doesn't change when the role is changed, because he is now officially captain: last year, for most of the games, he was wearing the [arm]band.

“I think every player always can improve and also Bruno. One of his great skills is emotion and football needs emotion.

“If you want to perform, you need that emotion in the game to win games - and top football is only about winning games.

“But some moments you have to be aware of it. You have to control it, to keep the strategy in the game and think steadily.

“Yeah, [he] definitely can make a step, but I think, last year already, he was on the way to making a big step in that respect."

Last season, Fernandes contributed 14 goals and 15 assists.

Ten Hag also said: “First, you have to be in that position and then I think things can speed up," he responded to a further question about becoming a better leader with age and experience.

“And yeah, he's definitely improving in that role, but it's only a role because, most of all, he has to contribute on the pitch and in his positioning.

“What we expect from him there is that he is magnificent in pressing, counter-pressing, attacking transitions and what we expect from him in that final part of the game is that he is decisive, and in decisions, and he has the key actions, the assists and the goals."