Noussair Mazraoui has explained what has “stood out” the most about Bruno Fernandes in his eyes after linking up with the Manchester United captain at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old Morocco international arrived at Old Trafford in 2024 after he was snapped up in a double signing alongside ex-Ajax and Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt.
Manchester United landed both Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt in a deal worth nearly £60m from German side Bayern Munich in the 2024 summer window.
Outside of his reunion with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, Mazraoui was able to witness Bruno Fernandes’ stunning influence first-hand as a United first-team player.
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Michael Carrick speaks with Bruno Fernandes after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, in 2021.
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Noussair Mazraoui explains the impact that he has felt from playing alongside Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford
Portugal star Bruno Fernandes is widely considered Manchester United’s most impactful signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era of the Premier League club.
Fernandes has become a pivotal figure both on the pitch and off it from Old Trafford after he ascended to the United captaincy under ex-Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.
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Long before he replaced Harry Maguire as Red Devils skipper in 2023, Fernandes’ influence in United matches was unrivalled by any other player on the pitch.
Speaking to United Review, Mazraoui admitted that he realised how “special” Fernandes was as a player only after being “up close” with him at Man Utd.
“Stood out? Of course, Bruno Fernandes is really unbelievably good,” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“His stats say a lot about him. And that’s, of course, one player [whom] I’ve seen.
“I know other players from the Premier League already from watching on TV, but this guy I’m seeing now up close… I see what kind of special player he is.”
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Bruno Fernandes Ballon d'Or Talking points graphic.
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Bruno Fernandes’ resurgence under Michael Carrick in the 2025-26 Premier League season has shown his Man Utd influence
Fernandes has picked up an impressive six assists and netted twice in his last eight Premier League matches under interim Red Devils head coach Michael Carrick.
The 31-year-old former Sporting CP midfielder’s influence was curtailed earlier in the 2025-26 Premier League season under former Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim.
Ruben Amorim had been playing Fernandes in the two-man midfield pivot in his United tactical system before the 41-year-old Portuguese coach was sacked.
However, Michael Carrick has restored Fernandes to a more advanced attacking position on the pitch since the 44-year-old United legend’s appointment.
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