Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes on consistency, leadership and a team-first mindset ahead of the Manchester derby
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been one of the most important players in the squad since he signed for the club in January 2020. The midfielder has delivered impactful performances time and again. The 30-year-old has reached double figures for both goals and assists in every full season so far. Moreover, the Portuguese international has stayed fit, missing only a handful of matches in a United shirt.
Fernandes has been a crucial cog in United’s midfield plans and has won major individual awards, including the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year three times. He also played an important role in United’s victories in the 2023 EFL Cup and the 2024 FA Cup. Meanwhile, there have been reports that Saudi clubs could return for the Manchester United captain in 2026.
Fernandes’ thoughts ahead of the Manchester derby
Ahead of the Manchester derby, Bruno Fernandes spoke to BBC Sport and shared his thoughts on the toughest challenge. He said the biggest struggle in football is to perform consistently, because every small detail during ninety minutes can change the outcome of a match. Fernandes made it clear that the team always comes first, and every player should make decisions with that in mind.
Bruno Fernandes has been the heartbeat of Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes has been the heartbeat of Manchester United
He added that players must make the right decision at every moment so the team benefits. Fernandes also explained that even small things, such as communication with teammates and positional tweaks, can decide the result. This again shows he is a creative midfielder and a real leader on the pitch. Earlier this season, Fernandes demanded more from teammates after a frustrating draw against Fulham, an attitude that shows he always expects the highest standards.
“Being consistent, I think. During 90 minutes, you have to be so consistent in everything you do. Sometimes it slips away from you, and it can change everything. So I think consistency in the first thing – consistent in doing whatever you think is best for the team, because that has to come first of everything, and you can’t do anything without thinking of the team first.
“That’s true in football, and it’s what has to come above everything because there’s nothing more important than the team. And then it comes to you to put yourself in the best position to help the team.
“And when I’m on the pitch, that’s the thing that I have most in my head – to do my thing will help the team to become better, so I have to. I have to be the most consistent and accurate player I can be in any moment of the game, not with the ball, but also without the ball.
“But also in some things that you have to say to your teammates when you want to change something position-wise, changing set-pieces as to are accurate because if little things change, it can go against you.”
The importance of Fernandes:
Under Ruben Amorim’s management this season, fans expect Fernandes to play a central attacking role in either a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1. Whether he operates as a No. 10 or in a deeper midfield pivot, his job remains the same: to act as a bridge between midfield and attack. The captain is renowned for his passing range and proficiency on set pieces, which makes him central to United’s attacking plans. His knack for scoring goals and his confidence from the penalty spot make him decisive in any match.
What makes Fernandes special is his creativity and attacking instincts. He has consistently been among the top chance creators in the Premier League, showing he can open up any defence. He displayed these qualities for Portugal and strengthened them further after joining United. The only question mark over Fernandes’ performance is his consistency. He recorded 19 goals and 19 assists in 2024–25, but his goal-scoring form dipped in the intervening months and criticism mounted. However, he has started the current 2025–26 season with one goal in three games, indicating he could be back in form.
There have also been discussions about his role as captain, especially after on-pitch outbursts. His gestures and reactions have raised questions at times, but it is hard to imagine United without Fernandes. The 30-year-old remains United’s biggest star and most reliable player, and it is exciting to see whether Amorim’s plans place him at the core of taking the team back to the top.