Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has emerged as the club’s talisman, shining brightly amid the turmoil of the nightmare 2024-25 season.
He scored an emphatic free-kick goal against Arsenal in the 1-1 Premier League draw on Sunday.
Troy Deeney included Fernandes in his Team of the Week and wrote glowingly for BBC Sport: “I have been critical of Fernandes over the years.
“He is the type of person that got away with it when the team were poor under Erik ten Hag.
“Since the new manager has come in, he has shown a completely new level of character.
“If Manchester United want to get to where they aspire to be, then they need this guy.
“They cannot get rid of him. It was also unbelievable technique for the free-kick.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe heaped praise on Fernandes in his recent blockbuster interview, hailing him as a ‘fabulous’ and ‘fantastic footballer.’
Despite relentless criticism from former United players, Fernandes has been the one dragging the team forward, often single-handedly keeping their season alive.
The Red Devils endured an appalling first half against the Gunners but a moment of brilliance on the stroke of half-time gave fans something to cheer about.
The £46 million-rated phenomenal star has bagged 12 goals and 13 assists in 42 games this season.
Time and time again, he has bailed United out of trouble, proving why he deserves far more respect than he gets.
Whenever he decides to hang up his boots at Old Trafford, Fernandes will be remembered as a club legend.
Finding a worthy successor to his influential presence will be no easy task for United.
The Red Devils gear up next for a high-stakes showdown against Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 clash at Old Trafford in mid-week.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com