Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has earned widespread acclaim following a record-breaking campaign. The Portuguese maestro, who arrived at Old Trafford in January 2020, has been the Red Devils’ go-to man since day one.
Fernandes has been integral to everything good about the English giants in the past six years, and he has been a guiding light through the rough patches as well. The 31 year old has taken every obstacle in his stride, performing under a myriad of managers and even in various roles.
Fernandes was long regarded as one of the best creators in the world, but this season, he has cemented his place among football’s elite by breaking a 23-year-old record. That has helped him win the Premier League Player of the Season and the FWA Footballer of the Year awards.
United’s record-breaking talisman
Thierry Henry registered 20 assists for Arsenal in the English top flight in the 2003/04 season, setting a new record. Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne matched that feat in the 2019/20 campaign, but Fernandes has bettered the two Premier League legends this season.
The Portuguese, however, started the campaign in a deeper role under former head coach Ruben Amorim, and only registered his first Premier League assist in his eighth game. As the team struggled to come to terms with the 3-4-3 system, Fernandes flourished in the double pivot alongside Casemiro and continued to influence games.
Michael Carrick, who replaced Amorim in January, swiftly reinstated the Portuguese maestro in the No. 10 role in a 4-2-3-1 system, and gave him the freedom to express himself. Fernandes responded by helping United pick up 12 wins in 17 games under the English manager, picking up 13 assists during that period.
The Portuguese has registered nine goals and 22 assists in all competitions this season, and has won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a record-breaking fifth time.
Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 35 | 35 | 9 | 21 | 5 | - | 3,068' |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | 90' |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 45' |
| Total | 37 | 36 | 9 | 22 | 5 | - | 3,203' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
Fernandes registered his record-breaking 21st Premier League assist in the 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the final game of the season. His performance in the month of May has now earned him another award.
United’s Player of the Month
Fernandes has been voted as United’s Player of the Month for May, the club have announced. The award was decided by fans on the Red Devils’ official WhatsApp channel, where the Portuguese received a whopping 255,000 votes.
The United skipper registered one goal and two assists this month, which has helped him secure his third Player of the Month award ahead of Kobbie Mainoo and Matheus Cunha. Fernandes also won the award in September and March, and is the only player to have won it thrice this season.
Fernandes has now also registered the most assists for the Red Devils in a Premier League season, breaking the previous record (15) held by David Beckham. He has subsequently been voted United Players’ Player of the Season.
United's Player of the Month Winners: 2025/26 Season
| Month | Player of the Month Winner |
|---|---|
| August | Bryan Mbeumo |
| September | Bruno Fernandes |
| October | Bryan Mbeumo |
| November | Matthijs de Ligt |
| December | Ayden Heaven |
| January | Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu |
| February | Benjamin Sesko |
| March | Bruno Fernandes |
| April | Casemiro |
| May | Bruno Fernandes |
Final Thoughts
While the individual recognitions are well deserved, Fernandes will now be craving team glory, having lifted just the FA Cup and EFL Cup during his time at Old Trafford. The Portuguese will be desperate to lift a major trophy and United can help him by recruiting wisely once again this summer.
Bruno Fernandes created more chances from open play in the Premier League last season (88) than any other players created from open play and set-pieces combined.
On another level. 🔝 pic.twitter.com/ahTZLbx5GP
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 28, 2026
Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
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