Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes admits Italian football has had a big influence on his career and reveals Antonio Di Natale’s advice: ‘Short steps and the way you kick the ball…’
Fernandes spent three years at Udinese with Di Natale, one of the most prolific strikers in the history of Serie A with 209 goals.
Di Natale is the sixth all-time Serie A scorer. He played for Empoli and Udinese during his career.
The former Italy international witnessed the development of Bruno Fernandes at Udinese between 2013 and 2016 seeing the Portuguese score 11 goals in 95 appearances with the Friulani.
“Obviously, for me, it was good to play in different leagues [and get] experience in Italy, experience in Portugal,” Bruno Fernandes told Manchester United’s official website.
“Now being in England, it’s really good because you experience different ways to think, different ways to play.
“And I always try to get the mix of that together and obviously all that I have, all that I’ve learned within Italy,” he continued.
“The other day, I was talking with Omari [Forson] before the break when we do the shooting practice, and I was telling him: ‘Look, [Antonio] Di Natale was always telling me this, when you’re in certain positions, short steps, the way you kick the ball, everything.’
“And I said to him: ‘Obviously with me, it works. You have to try to find your way. But if these small things that I tell you are going to help you, I’m going to be happy. If not, you have to find a way that’s going to fit you.'”
Bruno Fernandes joined Udinese from Serie B side Novara in 2013 after making 23 appearances in Italy’s second division, scoring four goals.
He also played for Sampdoria in Italy, netting five times in 35 games with the Blucerchiati in the 2016-17 Serie A campaign.
The 29-year-old midfielder signed for Manchester United in January 2020 completing a €65m transfer. His contract at Old Trafford expires in June 2026.