Bruno Fernandes' impact on Manchester United since arriving is unquestionable. Just look at his work in the March games vs. Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Both teams looked to pack the middle of the pitch, and the games were level when Fernandes grabbed the reins, tallying a goal and three assists in the two matches. Sometimes a player just knows what to do and isn't afraid to do it.
From bursting on to the Premier League scene as a January signing in 2020 and powering United to the UEFA Champions League places -- registering 15 goals plus assists (G+A) in 14 games -- to being the creative metronome under current manager Michael Carrick, he has gotten better and better. No matter who was in United's dugout or how toxic things became in the dressing room, they always had a player to rely on to pull a rabbit out of his hat and influence matches. Usually, it was with his assists and goals; even during Ruben Amorim's miserable midseason takeover in 2024-25, he somehow managed 19 G+A in the league.
The infamous theory proposed in the media is that players thrive away from the cauldron of pressure Old Trafford creates -- see Scott McTominay's rise at Napoli or Antony's at Real Betis. Fernandes, meanwhile, has always thrown himself into that cauldron, being whatever player United needed him to be.
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His 2025-26 season is a tale of two roles, one under Ruben Amorim and the other under Carrick. Combining the two Brunos has led to a Premier League Player of the Year-caliber season, and he is well worthy of the award. No one expected United to be this good under Carrick, and amid a personal-best year for Fernandes -- he leads the league in assists with 16, twice as many as the next closest players (Jarrod Bowen, Rayan Cherki, eight) -- it is no wonder that Carrick restoring him back to his best position has led to a uptick in United's form.
Fernandes is a joy to watch in this refreshing iteration of Manchester United. Here we'll take a look at how his role has transformed this season, why this might be the best football he's played and why he deserves to win POTY.
Bruno Fernandes has played a crucial role in Manchester United's resurgence. But has he been the best player in the Premier League? Carl Recine/Getty Images Fernandes' evolution in 2025-26 One of the parting gifts Amorim might have presented United with is inadvertently showcasing Fernandes' versatility as a deeper central midfielder in the "regista" role, making him a better player overall.