Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes set out his “main objective” for the 2025/26 season and it is quickly becoming reality.
Over the summer transfer window, Bruno Fernandes rejected a £100m Saudi move in a complete show of loyalty to Manchester United.
Put simply, the Portuguese playmaker has not achieved what he wants to achieve at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim wanted to keep Fernandes, and the 31-year-old has had to adapt to a new role in his system this season.
Bruno Fernandes has played a deeper role as a central midfielder, often partnered with five-time Champions League winner Casemiro in a double pivot.
Despite criticism early in the season, Fernandes has been a success in midfield and continues to produce jaw-dropping statistics in the final third.
Bruno Fernandes wanted to go under the radar
Speaking to ESPN Brazil back in August, Fernandes brushed off compliments about his performance in 2024/25 and stated: “I hope you’ll hear less about Bruno this year, but a lot more about United.
“That’s my main objective because my name being spoken, let’s say vaguely alone, it doesn’t fill me with pride or anything.
“United being talked about, being positive, that’s the most important thing and that’s what I want for this season.
“If it happens that Bruno has to score fewer goals, provide less assists or do another type of provision of what is necessary for the games, I would be very happy.”
Nine games into the season, and it is the new signings at Old Trafford who are stealing the headlines, not Fernandes.
Bryan Mbeumo scored twice against Brighton to continue his hot streak as a United player, while Matheus Cunha opened his goalscoring account a week after a magnificent display at Anfield.
Against Brighton, United fans raved about Benjamin Sesko for his display too, and the Slovenian has already found the back of the net twice in the Premier League.
The three new forwards in Amorim’s side are the ones hogging the spotlight, but that is exactly what Fernandes wanted, and it suits him perfectly.
Bruno Fernandes still leading by example at Man United
Despite being less involved in the goals and assists this season, Fernandes is still enjoying an incredible campaign from his new deeper role.
Owen Hargreaves was blown away by Fernandes and his footballing intelligence to set up Mbeumo’s second goal against Brighton. It won’t go down as an assist, but it was a spectacle of creativity.
READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes reveals what Man Utd did to get Anfield to boo Liverpool players, ‘Their fans…’
Ultimately, Fernandes is still one of the best creators in the Premier League, and he continues to lead United in several key statistics.
- Most expected goals – 4.29
- Most short passes – 375
- Most long passes – 38
- Most through balls – 7
- Most touches – 687
Fernandes now has attacking options to pick out from midfield, while his defensive work also makes him suitable in the heart of the pitch.
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