Van Nistelrooy has no doubts about the status Fernandes enjoys inside the club.
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"He's an example of how he lives the game as a professional," he told MUTV.
"And of course as a captain, he's leading the team in being a role model in how to be the best professional he can be. Also, helping others in many situations on and off the pitch. He's a great example and a great captain."
Van Nistelrooy added: "If you think about it, January 2020 when he came in - it's now November 2024 and I don't need to explain how fit you have to be because you have to play all the games. That's how professional you are."