I am suffering - Bruno Fernandes admits to pressure ahead of  Manchester Derby

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he still feels nervous before every game, but insists the tension helps sharpen his focus and fuels his performance.

The Portuguese playmaker, widely regarded as United’s talisman, has experienced both highs and lows in the early weeks of the 2025/26 season.

His missed penalty in the 1-1 draw against Fulham and United’s shock Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby sparked criticism over his leadership.

Yet, Fernandes silenced doubters with a thunderous winner in United’s 3-2 victory at Burnley before the international break, reigniting belief in his match-winning pedigree.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Match of the Day, Fernandes admitted his nerves often peak when he is not directly involved in the action.

“I get more nervous watching the game because I’m basically suffering for my teammates. When you see something going against them and they are trying to make something different, and it doesn’t come through, I get very nervous,” he said.

He continued, “I can’t be steady on the bench or even at home. If I have to stay at home and watch the game, I can’t be quiet. I need to be loud, I need to be active, it’s like I’m in the game. In every game, I’m nervous. Nervous in the sense of getting that good nervous. I want to be involved, mentally my head needs to be working.”

The 29-year-old has embraced the responsibility of captaincy, but admits the constant demand for silverware at Old Trafford brings relentless scrutiny. Despite setbacks, Fernandes remains central to United’s ambitions this season.

Attention now turns to Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad, where Fernandes will once again be tasked with leading United against Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasing City.