Bruno Fernandes has missed just a few games for Man Utd since he signed from Sporting Lisbon six years ago.
Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes.(Image: 2026 Allstar)
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Bruno Fernandes has played 27,863 minutes since he signed for Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon.
Only a handful of players, some of whom are goalkeepers, from Europe's top five leagues have played more minutes than Fernandes in that period.
Fernandes has been remarkably consistent, but he will celebrate his 32nd birthday next month and will not be able to sustain such high levels if Michael Carrick does not manage his minutes.
Fernandes will run himself into the ground for United, but the club wants to eke out as much as possible in a sustainable way. That means he will have to be rested in some matches in the new season.
After beating Brighton on the final day of last season, Carrick laughed as he revealed Fernandes had asked to stay on the pitch for the entire game. He'd already broken the assist record but wanted more.
Fernandes lives and breathes football, often watching academy games from the team hotel when United play away. He always wants to stay on the pitch, but Carrick will need to take the decision out of his hands next term.
"He's been a big part of the team and the club over recent times and had a huge impact, so he'll continue to do that," Carrick said at a press conference on Thursday.
"In terms of the games and how it comes, hopefully he stays fit and he's in good shape. But yeah, there's the element talking about the squad and the depth, and as we go through the season and the waves and the momentum and keeping the boys in good form, but keeping them fresh as well.
"So Bruno's part of that, you know. He's a big player for us, he's obviously our captain, but there's still elements where we need to look after him."
The problem Carrick faces is that Fernandes is his most influential player, and he plays in the department which "connects" the team, in the United boss' own words.
"You could argue both ends of the pitch are more important, if not more important, but the midfield connects the whole team together and has a big say on how the team performs with and without the ball," he said.
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"I think it gives you the foundation of the team, you know. I think the foundation of the team is important to be consistent, to be consistent through one game from start to finish, to be consistent over a period of time.
"I think you need a solid foundation through the middle of the team, trying to put it together, and getting that balance. But certainly, I think if you look at all the top teams over the years, all the great teams over the years, the spine of the team is really strong, you know.
"So we're conscious of that, and I think we've got a good spine of the team right now. We can keep improving as we go in different ways and coaching and helping the boys and developing them, and I think we're in a good place."
While Fernandes will not want to be rested, Carrick will have to put an arm around him and point to the bigger picture. United have been overreliant on Fernandes since he signed for the club, but Carrick must find a way to win some games without him in the team.
The good news is that United's midfield will look stronger than it has done for a good few years if Carlos Baleba can be signed. The Reds have added quality in that department, which eases the burden on Fernandes' shoulders.
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