Declan Rice could give Arsenal a boost and push them towards a historic title win. There’s still time for Erling Haaland to fire Manchester City there. But Bruno Fernandes’ case has already been filed. He has been an outstanding player in the Premier League this season.
The Manchester United captain has already provided 19 assists in this competition, leaving him one step short of Kevin De Bruyne’s record set by Thierry Henry. Whether he surpasses them or not, his creativity in this campaign was on another level than anyone else’s.
According to Opta, Fernandes has created 120 chances this season. He has topped the Premier League charts in all but one of his last five seasons at United, finishing second only to Trent Alexander-Arnold in one season, which is already his best ever.
To put it in context, this is almost double the number of chances created by the second man on the list. And while his ability to make things happen from set-pieces is a hallmark of his game and this season, he’s collectively produced more from open play than anyone else.
It was a year in which he dealt with the now familiar upheaval. Manager Ruben Amorim was sacked in January with Champions League qualification at stake. Under his compatriot, Fernandes was often used in a deeper role, but still managed to make an impression.
Bruno Fernandes returned to a more attacking role under Michael Carrick
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Michael Carrick backs Bruno Fernandes for individual award after brilliant season
He returned to his favorite position and improved under manager Michael Carrick. In fact, he has been involved in more goals than anyone in the Premier League since mid-January, scoring and producing all kinds of goals for a rejuvenated side.
Do you have a personal favorite? He was receiving an angled through ball to Benjamin Sesco at Turf Moor. The breakaway against Manchester City and the fake pass to Brian Mbeumo who looked like he would play the ball wide to Amad Diallo.
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See all four of Bruno Fernandes’ assists for Benjamin Sesco in this season’s Premier League
Bruno Fernandes provides 19 assists for Manchester United in the Premier League
In that dramatic game against Fulham, Calvin Bassey came out on the right and there was a dummy player who fed Sesco the ball in stoppage time to score the winning goal. And what about that first pass to Matheus Cunha against Aston Villa?
These were passes requiring runs, not runs requiring passes. He completed more chipped passes than anyone else and attempted over 50 percent more through balls. It takes imagination to see it, and sheer stupidity to try to pull it off.
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See all 19 assists from Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes this season as the Portuguese midfielder was named FWA Player of the Year.
Asked what the secret to his great form was, Carrick said: “I think it gives Bruno a platform to perform. I think like any other player, we create a structure and a team structure and try to get the best out of everyone.”
That faith was rewarded by putting Fernandes “in a position where we think he can make the biggest difference.” Under Carrick, United climbed to the top of the table and secured a return to the Champions League. No team has climbed higher in the standings than United this season.
There will still be critics. The usual abusive language at the away ground. Former players have doubts about him. But any suggestion that Fernandes lacks leadership qualities should have been dismissed long ago. He wasn’t the cause of United’s downturn, he was its victim.
Like Bryan Robson before him, Fernandes was a shining light during a difficult period in the club’s history. But his own standards still remain. Supporters and teammates alike appreciate that. “I feel like he has a lot of value,” Cunha said recently.
“He helps everyone. I think he is a beautiful captain for the club. He has overcome difficult moments and deserves to experience those beautiful moments as well. What a player, what a wonderful man. He deserves Player of the Year.”The Football Writers’ Association agrees.
