Two standout stats have surfaced, further solidifying the case for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as football’s ultimate midfield machine.
United have endured an extremely disappointing season, with the club currently in 13th place in the Premier League standings after 31 matches played. A top-half finish seems to be a tall order and the Europa League remains the club’s only way of somewhat salvaging the campaign and restoring some lost pride.
However, one player who has consistently upheld United’s high standards despite the team’s woes is their talisman, Fernandes.
Time and again, when the odds have been stacked against the club, its been Fernandes who has stepped up, delivering crucial performances and dragging his side out of difficult situations.
In 30 top-flight appearances, Fernandes has notched an impressive eight goals and 10 assists. He has notched 16 goals and provided as many assists in 45 matches across all competitions. One can only imagine where United would be without his crucial contributions.
Fernandes’ exploits in March alone earned him three coveted awards – United’s Player of the Month, the Premier League’s Player of the Month and PFA’s Player of the Month.
Three from three for Bruno in March
United Player of the Month
#PL Player of the Month
#PFA Fans’ Player of the Month#MUFC pic.twitter.com/peH1TEC38W
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 8, 2025
But it’s not just his heroics in front of goal that make him such an influential player; it’s also the defensive side of his game that adds to his impact and the numbers prove it.
According to statistician Statman Dave, no player in the Premier League has won possession more times than Fernandes (182) this season.
He also leads the league in chances created (75).
No player in the Premier League has won possession more times than Bruno Fernandes (182) this season. He also leads the league in chances created (75)
The most complete midfielder on the planet. pic.twitter.com/9WHLNuHVIT
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 8, 2025
The Portugal international is also dominant on the continental stage.
He is the only player across Europes top five leagues this season to have made 70+ tackles and interceptions and to have created 70+ chances.
Bruno Fernandes is the ONLY player across Europes top five leagues this season to have made 70+ tackles+interceptions and to have created 70+ chances.
Does the job of three players to an elite level. pic.twitter.com/Afn8AtyPD4
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 9, 2025
Few can rival Fernandes’ numbers, and what’s even more impressive is that he’s achieving this in a struggling United side that seems to be getting many things wrong at the moment.
The Red Devils are back in action on Thursday when they face Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
