Premier League Analysis: Why Bruno Fernandes Is Still Manchester United’s Most Important Player

From the crisis point Manchester United found themselves in at the start of the season to their current resurgence, the journey has been nothing short of a footballing rebirth.

‎For years, the club struggled to find stability, identity, and consistency. While Ruben Amorim initially breathed some life into the team, his tenure eventually proved not to be the long-term answer.

‎Still, he managed to steady the squad and guide them upward in the Premier League table before the reins passed to Michael Carrick.

‎A New Chapter Under Michael Carrick

‎Carrick’s task goes far beyond simply improving results. He has been charged with restoring pride, structure, and a sense of direction qualities that have been missing for far too long at Old Trafford.

‎Under his guidance, United are playing with renewed purpose, and suddenly a Champions League return is no longer impossible but entirely achievable.

‎To do that, however, Carrick needs his squad aligned, focused, and cohesive. And in that mission, there is one player he can always rely on, Captain Bruno Fernandes.

‎Bruno Fernandes The Leader Who Never Hides

‎Fernandes has long been one of the most influential figures at the club. His leadership style often divides opinion.

‎Some pundits and former players argue that he complains too much or fails to embody the fierce presence of past captains like Roy Keane or Bryan Robson.

‎Yet one thing cannot be debated, Bruno never hides. He is always the first to stand in front of the cameras after a defeat, always ready to own responsibility, and always willing to speak honestly.

‎Whatever he may lack in traditional captaincy presence, he compensates for with relentless production and an unmatched commitment to the badge.

‎Premier League Consistency Season After Season

‎Fernandes’ numbers since joining Manchester United in January 2019 tell the story of a player who delivers every single year.

‎His current campaign once again reflects his consistency, having already provided the most assists in the Premier League and contributed crucial goals along the way.

‎Across his Premier League seasons, his output has remained elite. He made an immediate impact in 2019/20, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists in just 14 games.

‎The following year he produced one of the greatest midfield seasons in modern Premier League history with 18 goals and 12 assists. Even during seasons when the team around him faltered, Fernandes maintained strong returns, whether it was 10 goals and six assists in 2021/22 or a combined 18-goal contributions in both 2022/23 and 2023/24.

‎Last season, he again delivered eight goals and ten assists in league play.

‎The numbers show a player who has never had a down year, regardless of the turbulence around him.

‎A Player Defined by More Than Goals and Assists

‎While his goals and assists often make headlines, Fernandes’ all-around contribution is what truly elevates him.

‎Across all competitions since his arrival, including the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Community Shield, Europa League, and Champions League, he has accumulated 103 direct goal contributions.

‎That is at least ten more than Marcus Rashford, who sits in second place, and his assist tally of 94 is astonishingly 55 more than the next highest in the squad.

‎Yet Bruno’s influence extends far beyond the attacking third.

‎Although his passing accuracy sits at 78.8 percent, which is lower than that of many of his teammates, it must be viewed in context.

‎Bruno attempts more high-risk, high-reward passes than anyone else in the squad. He is the one constantly trying to unlock defenses, quicken transitions, and force breakthroughs.

‎His passing volume demonstrates his importance. His 16,513 passes are significantly more than any other player at the club since 2019.

‎More importantly, 11,601 of those passes have been forward and played in the opponent’s half a figure that dwarfs the totals of players like Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf. Bruno is not just involved in possession; he drives it forward relentlessly.

‎Elite Creativity and Supply From All Areas

‎United’s captain also shines in his crossing ability. His 118 accurate crosses since 2019 place him comfortably at the top of the squad rankings, with only Diogo Dalot joining him in the triple-digit range.

‎This highlights Fernandes’ versatility, as he creates chances not only from central areas but also from the flanks and deeper positions.

‎Perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of Fernandes’ game is his defensive output.

‎Despite being an attacking midfielder, he has attempted more tackles than any United player since the 2019/20 season. He has won the most tackles as well and has recovered possession 1,657 times nearly 500 more than the teammate closest to him in that ranking.

‎His involvement in duels is similarly impressive. Fernandes has contested close to 3,000 one-on-one battles and has won over 1,300 of them.

‎These are extraordinary numbers for a player often stereotyped as purely offensive.

‎A Decision With Massive Implications

‎As this season progresses, an uncomfortable reality is creeping into view. Reports suggest that Fernandes has grown frustrated with how the club is being run and may consider a final big move abroad.

‎With his contract running until 2027 and an additional one-year extension option, United has some protection. But age and financial considerations complicate matters.

‎He will be 32 at the start of next season, and any new contract is expected to push his wages toward £400,000 per week. From a business standpoint, the decision is difficult. From a footballing standpoint, it should not be.

‎Bruno Fernandes is irreplaceable.

‎If Fernandes decides he wants to continue in Manchester, United cannot afford hesitation or half-measures.

‎His importance to the team, statistically and emotionally, is too significant to gamble with. The club must move quickly, decisively, and respectfully.