Manchester United

A difficult 2021-22 season saw the 20-time English champions finish down in sixth spot in the Premier League table, in addition to failing to win a trophy.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick had periods in charge of Man United last term, but Ten Hag is now at the helm for the 20-time English champions.

The Dutchman has arrived at Old Trafford off the back of winning three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups at Ajax, with the Amsterdam giants also playing an entertaining style of football under the 52-year-old.

Fernandes has paid tribute to Ten Hag, claiming that the new head coach "brings discipline" but also allows the players "the freedom to make choices".

"He wants his rules, he demands a lot from us and he wants everyone on the same page doing the same things," Fernandes told Sky Sports News.

"Everyone knows they have to be pushing to the same side and if not, they will be out of the team. That's a good thing because if you want to be successful as a team you have to be always in the same way.

"He brings discipline but he also gives players the freedom to make choices. He has his own rules we have to follow, but he also wants to give some responsibility to the older ones. He's strict, he's tough, but at the same time, he's a nice and easy guy to chat to.

"The main thing is following what he wants because I think he has a straight line that he wants to have with the team and I want to follow that straight line because I think we can be successful that way.

"If everyone understands that we have to follow the rules, follow what the coach demands and what the team demands, everyone will be on the same page, so that's what will make the team successful. I think everyone will be happy at the end of the season if we can do everything he wants us to do."

Fernandes found it difficult to show his best form for periods of last season, but he ended the campaign with 10 goals and 14 assists in 46 appearances, and the Portugal international is confident that his own game will improve next term under the new management team.

"As soon as the team is doing well and getting good results, that will make me happy and make my game be much better," the 27-year-old added.

"I know everyone is expecting so much from me because my first season was amazing and last season I only scored 10 goals and 14 assists. I know I can do much better than that.

"I'm happy for what I've been doing at the club and the new contract shows the club respects me and trusts me, and it's time for me to repay that.

"I'm an emotional player and an emotional person. I criticise myself too much and sometimes I need to calm down a little bit, but that's the way I am. I don't like to lose but I don't try to blame anyone. I try to see what I can do better to make the team improve."

Man United will play their final two friendlies of the summer against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano next weekend before taking on Brighton & Hove Albion in their Premier League opener on August 7.