Fernandes admits he has started training for role after football career finishes

Bruno Fernandes has revealed he's begun his coaching course as he plans on being a manager once his playing days are over.

The Portuguese star at just 27 still has plenty of years left in him and remains an integral figure for Manchester United.

However, he has already thought about life beyond football. But very much wants to remain in the game.

Portuguese managers are highly regarded around Europe with current Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim linked with the Old Trafford hot seat.

Bruno Fernandes took part in a secret santa with young fans and was asked who at the club would most need a diary, before divulging his future plans.

Fernandes said in the clip : "I would give that (the diary) to the boss, because he always needs to write his stuff for training. He needs paper to write his secrets."

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The kids state they'll give the diary to Fernandes, to which he replies: "Yeah because I want to be a manager, I am doing the course."

Coaches who enjoyed success in their playing days have proved successful, although it is by no means a necessity.

Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Zinedine Zidane all enjoyed success to varying degrees as players, but the likes of Jose Mourinho struggled to make the grade.

Fernandes has said in the past that, having spent his whole life in football, it would be hard to imagine a future without.

He previously told United's website: "I'm trying to enjoy the football, you know. I think I want to be a coach. Honestly, I would like to be a coach.

"I don't know which team I would like to manage. Of course, the biggest team if I can manage Manchester United, I will be happy.

"I can leave now just some words so if people see this, if I'm a manager in the future, the fans can make some pressure to bring me as a coach!

"But I think I would like to be a coach in the future. I'm not sure but for what I feel for football, for the feeling I have, I think I have to continue to be inside of football because my whole life is about this.

"So I think, in the future, it needs to be with football too."

United opted to appoint a former player when they went for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in 2019, although his tenure recently ended.

Arsenal have a former player in the dugout in the form of Mikel Arteta whilst Chelsea hired Frank Lampard before he was axed almost a year ago.