Bruno Fernandes hailed Erik ten Hag’s role in turning around Manchester United’s fortunes after the club secured a place in the League Cup final.
The Dutch manager, in his first season at Old Trafford, will lead his side out at Wembley on February 26 against Newcastle after Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest completed a 5-0 aggregate semi-final victory.
It is a chance for United to end their worst trophy drought in 40 years – they have failed to lift a trophy since winning the Europa League in 2017.
“Obviously it’s amazing for us,” said Fernandes, who captained the side in their 2021 Europa League final shootout defeat to Villarreal.
“It’s been a long time since the Europa League. Since I’ve been here, we haven’t played (another) final. You come to this club to win trophies and now we’re in a big position.
Ten Hag has overseen a dramatic change in fortunes and culture at Old Trafford since arriving from Ajax, with a first trophy now tantalizingly close.
Last year they finished sixth in the Premier League and failed to progress in the domestic cup or Champions League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
But this season they finished fourth in the Premier League and are still challenging for three cup competitions.
“I think last year was about confidence,” said Portugal midfielder Fernandes, who joined United in January 2020.
“You win one game, you lose another, you draw another – you never get a win that gives you the confidence to keep going and keep pushing to do your best.
“We had a bad feeling that every moment of the game could go against us – a corner, a shot, some moments.
“Confidence is low and it creates uncertainty, but obviously I think this season the main thing is the result. You become more confident.
“The manager’s idea is in the team, you can see it. The players who came to the club are also involved, but the ones who are still playing are also involved.