Manchester United have had a torrid start to their Premier League campaign thus far despite beating Burnley before the international break.
Ruben Amorim has endured a tough start to the 2025/26 campaign, culminating in the humiliating Carabao Cup exit against Grimsby Town after taking only one point from their opening two league matches.
Man United have spent heavily throughout the summer to bolster their squad and have invested approximately £200 million in a new-look frontline.
However, the Red Devils were forced to rely on Bruno Fernandes to convert a 97th-minute penalty to beat newly promoted Burnley on Saturday, and despite the criticism, the captain has not missed a beat since moving into a deeper midfield role at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates after Josh Cullen of Burnley (not pictured) scores his teams own goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
The 30-year-old fully committed himself to Man United this summer despite receiving a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.
Bruno Fernandes leads the Premier League in chances created
According to statistics provided by Squawka, the Portuguese international has created 12 chances in the Premier League thus far, two more than Leeds United’s Anton Stach in second place.
£71m summer signing Bryan Mbeumo features third in the list with eight chances created, but nevertheless is some ways off his Man United captain.
Furthermore, Fernandes’ feat has only been matched by Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, with the pair leading Europe’s top five leagues in chances created.
Bruno Fernandes has created the most chances in the Premier League so far this season.
It's the joint-most in Europe's top five leagues in 2025/26 alongside Kylian Mbappe. 🔑 pic.twitter.com/aPNLUhFHKU
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 2, 2025
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The Portuguese international has been the talisman at Old Trafford over the past few years, and despite Man United recruiting heavily in attacking talent, Fernandes is still proving to be the main man.
Benjamin Sesko predicted Fernandes to score the winner against Burnley last time out, and while his prediction is hardly ground-breaking given the captain’s proven track record in delivering when his side needs him most, it is a clear indication of how all those within the club feel about Fernandes.
Sesko has struggled to make an impact for the Red Devils since arriving from RB Leipzig this summer, but he will need time to adapt to life in England and to learn from the likes of his fellow newcomers and the captain.
Bruno Fernandes could move back into an advanced role
Fernandes has dropped deeper into the midfield this season as Amorim leans on his summer arrivals to lead the attack.
However, Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount sustained injuries in the win against Burnley and although their return dates are yet unknown, it could mean Fernandes is pushed back into his preferred attacking midfield role.
This could be exactly what Man United need after the international break with two tough clashes against Manchester City and Chelsea next up, Fernandes will need to be firing on all cylinders.
And considering the captain is producing Mbappe-like numbers from central midfield, the supporters can only imagine what he could do further up the pitch at Old Trafford.