“Big impact” – 'Wonderful' star backed to achieve what no Man United player has done in 15 years
Manager Michael Carrick believes Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes deserves to win this season’s Premier League Player of the Season award.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is regarded as his closest challenger.
Described as ‘wonderful‘ by legend Rio Ferdinand, Fernandes ha been magnificent, recording eight goals and 16 assists.
Having surpassed David Beckham’s record of most assists in a season by a United player (15), he is also well-placed to break the Premier League record (20), jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Also, only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (29) boasts more goal involvements than Fernandes (24) in the competition this term.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Carrick argued that the Portuguese deserves to be crowned the league’s best player, highlighting his overall impact for United.
He said: “I think, genuinely, the impact he has had on the group for quite a period of time now is impressive in different ways.
“He is always there, putting himself forward—his attitude, his approach to the game—and he understands what it means to play here.
“To put in that level of performance consistently, not just this season but over a long period of time, I think he has had a big impact.
“He has done great since I came back as well. So yes, I think he has got to be up there as deserving as anyone of that kind of award.”
Nemanja Vidic was the last United player to scoop the award. He did so in the 2010/11 season, after playing a big role in the club’s 19th league title.
No club has produced more winners (six) of the award than the Mancunian giants, while a United player has won it on eight occasions — a record in the competition.
Fernandes will be aiming to finish the season strongly to join the list.
He is also poised to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a record fifth time — reflecting his consistency since joining from Sporting CP in 2020.
Article written by Henry Thornton .