Before I begin, I confess that I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to indulging in analysis and overcomplicating our game.
Football, for all of its quirks, is a simple pastime: put the ball in the back of your opponent’s net more times than they can manage to do in yours.
However, with years of tactical metamorphosis, what began as a pyramid in the 1870s is now so much more, as the foundations of the game have evolved into Mikel Arteta’s interpretation of 2026.
Within all of this, we have been graced with moments of sheer brilliance provided by a collection of individuals who, in their own right, are masters of their field.
Unfortunately, disgruntled media has destroyed many of these because their flamboyancy and star are too much for basic understanding to appreciate and reward.
Bruno Fernandes is perhaps the greatest example of an underappreciated genius of the modern game.
Despite forging a career that has been filled with majestic moments, his Premier League impact is routinely underplayed by a collection of people who would struggle to kick a ball.
Without any bias towards Manchester United, I find it difficult to quantify his impact during a period when he could, and probably should, have been collecting silverware in a sunnier climate.
But his decision to remain in the North West simply amplifies his greatness within the Stretford End, and at 31, he appears to be showing no signs of slowing down.
In my humble opinion, Bruno Fernandes is the Premier League Player of the Year.
For some, that may appear a sensationalist statement made by a lifelong Red who views the topic through tinted glasses.
But when you take stock of what has been and gone throughout a fickle campaign, Fernandes has not only shone in Manchester, he has routinely taken fixtures by the scruff of the neck single-handedly.
For those of you reading who are old enough to remember the days of Bryan Robson, Captain Marvel earned his nickname by regularly dragging his side kicking and screaming over the line.
Like Bruno, Robson gave the best part of his career to the club and collected far fewer winners’ medals than he deserved. Still, his 99 goals and six assists were dripping with importance and prestige.
With 136 goal contributions in 222 Premier League appearances, Fernandes has disregarded weekly criticism to cement his legacy at Old Trafford, particularly when factoring in certain teammates who have come and gone.
Furthermore, given the turmoil we have witnessed at M16 throughout 2025, his output during the present campaign is nothing short of breathtaking.
| Premier League statistics 2025/26 | Bruno Fernandes | Declan Rice | Antoine Semenyo |
| Appearances | 27 | 30 | 29 |
| Goals | 7 | 4 | 15 |
| Assists | 16 | 7 | 4 |
Now, I’m aware that single metrics tell one part of a story, and a wider consideration is required when factoring something as significant as a Player of the Year award.
Declan Rice has been an invaluable cog at the heart of an Arsenal midfield that is closing in on a first Premier League title in 22 seasons.
Antoine Semenyo has transitioned from Bournemouth to City with consummate ease, and despite the annual dominance of Erling Haaland, has arguably ascended past the Norwegian internally.
Still, Fernandes has rarely relied on others throughout a tumultuous calendar and has had to modify his game from a deep-lying playmaker under Ruben Amorim to the attacking architect under Michael Carrick.
His response under the 44-year-old interim coach has been nothing short of world-class, playing 90 minutes in all nine fixtures and supplying two goals and nine assists in the process.
Without question, he has been the underlying factor in the Reds’ rise to a dominant standing in the Champions League places, while visibly educating his teammates, mid-game, every week.
For the longest time, high-profile pundits questioned his leadership and suitability as a captain for this United squad.
Say what you will about petulance and overly dramatic reactions at times, but these are personality traits that are unique to him.
Frustrating as they may be to some, that should not be a rod to beat him with.
Like many elite individuals, the Portuguese playmaker leads through his play, spearheading his team in transition and generating an endless barrage of goalscoring opportunities in the process.
You need only look at his guidance of Benjamin Sesko to gain an insight into his understanding of the game and the requirements of playing for the 20-time English champions.
Understandably, supporters in London would submit a passionate backing for their star, as would those at the Etihad.
That is the glorious thing about football; everything is debatable and open to widespread conversation.
Still, when you’re discussing a player who requires five assists to break the all-time Premier League record (20), alongside division-leading metrics in chances created and key passes, it’s difficult to ignore.
Both Rice and Semenyo are undoubtedly superb players. But at this moment in time, Bruno is arguably in the conversation for the very best in Europe.
Truthfully, there isn’t a team in world football that would reject him, and United are fortunate he chose to stay and fight for a deserving reward.
If there is any justice in this world, he will eventually receive his flowers, just as Robbo did in 1993.
Do you believe that Bruno deserves to be crowned as the league’s best? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com. Statistics via transfermarkt.co.uk.
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3 responses to “Bruno Fernandes continues to lead the way in the Premier League”
You couldn’t have said it better Shaun. Hope he retires with the red jersey on his chest.
I’d share that dream, George. Hopefully, he can collect a Premier League winners’ medal too.
That would be the dream 😛
We hope he does. Great work Shaun. Hoping for better days.