Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko says he is grateful to have Bruno Fernandes around him at Old Trafford. The Slovenian arrived at Old Trafford last summer to replace Rasmus Hojlund, who eventually moved to Napoli on a season-long loan.
Sesko has done a decent job so far, especially after former head coach Ruben Amorim was replaced by caretaker manager Michael Carrick in January. United have been on a roll under the Englishman, registering eight wins in the last 12 games and climbing up to third in the Premier League table.
The Slovenian has been in fine form under Carrick, scoring five times in 11 appearances. For the record, the 22 year old only found the back of the net twice in 17 games under Amorim.
The Red Devils’ rise under the English manager has been powered largely by an inspired Fernandes, who has now scored eight goals and set up 19 more this season.
Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 30 | 30 | 8 | 18 | 4 | - | 2,618' |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | 90' |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 45' |
| Total | 32 | 31 | 8 | 19 | 4 | - | 2,753' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
The Portuguese maestro is two assists short of the Premier League record of 20 assists in a single campaign, jointly held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry. Fernandes is also among the frontrunners for the Premier League Player of the Season award, and Sesko has now opened up on the United skipper’s influence behind the scenes.
Fernandes helping Sesko
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sesko revealed how Fernandes is helping him improve. He said: “I’m also getting a lot of instructions from Bruno. Every single training, after training, sometimes before training. Whatever he tells you, just do it, don’t think twice. And that’s what I said. I’m really grateful to have this opportunity to be around him.”
The Slovenian went on to tip Fernandes to win the Premier League Player of the Season award, adding: “He’s great. He’s my team-mate. And of course, always stand up [for my team-mates], yeah, he should win it.”
The Portuguese has set up four of Sesko’s nine goals in the Premier League this season.
Squad good enough to win trophies
United are set to end another season without trophies, although the recent upturn in form is likely to fill fans with hope. Sesko went on to claim that the current squad is good enough to lift silverware, adding: “I think we did great. Still, some games left, but I think we’re doing great.”
“We have a great spirit in the team. I’m learning a lot from the experience. We are here, great players, great coaching staff.”
“I would like to really achieve some trophies here. I think there would be something that we just can’t forget it, life at all. And of course, we need to do a lot for it, but I believe we have the capacity to do that.”
Final Thoughts
Fernandes has been indispensable for United since arriving from Sporting in January 2020, but Sesko’s words suggest that he also plays a major role behind the scenes. The Portuguese will enter the final year of his contract this summer but given his influence both on and off the pitch, perhaps the Red Devils should do everything possible to tie him down to a new deal.
Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images
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