Our selection for the season’s best includes two prolific strikers, two influential playmakers, and a nearly impenetrable goalkeeper. This reflects the exceptional performance of Manchester United’s captain.
At the season’s outset, he was instrumental in carrying Ruben Amorim’s team through matches, and for the past five months, he has been the driving force behind Michael Carrick’s cohesive squad. He has consistently garnered awards and broken records, most notably securing the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Season award and setting a new Premier League assist record of 21 on the final day of the season at Brighton.
Considering Manchester United were reportedly open to selling him less than a year ago, one can only speculate on the club’s fate at Old Trafford without his presence. Fernandes himself shared his perspective with Canal 11: “At one point I was going to leave – I won’t say where – but I would have won many trophies that season. I decided to stay not only for family reasons but because I genuinely like the club. But from the club’s side, I felt a bit of: ‘If you go, it’s not really that bad for us.’ That hurts me a little. More than hurting, it makes me sad, because I’m a player they have nothing to criticise me for. I’m always available for every match, I always play, whether well or badly. I give my maximum.”
Fernandes brings exceptional tactical intelligence and work ethic to the pitch, complemented by superb technical skill that elevates him above his Manchester United teammates, all of whom benefit from his influence. It is difficult to argue that any other Premier League captain wields more influence, and Manchester United have certainly reaped the rewards of his contributions.
Premier League 2025-26: Players of the Season (English Translation)
Our selection for the season’s best includes two deadly strikers, two creative forces, and an all-but unbeatable goalkeeper. This reflects the exceptional performance of the Manchester United captain.
At the start of the season, he was dragging Ruben Amorim’s interpretation of a team through matches, and for the past five months, he has been leading Michael Carrick’s unified side. Awards and records continue to come his way; winning the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Season award was swiftly followed by picking up a record Premier League assist tally of 21 at Brighton on the final day of the season.
Considering United were very open to selling Fernandes less than a year ago, one wonders what would have happened at Old Trafford without him. “At one point I was going to leave – I won’t say where – but I would have won many trophies that season. I decided to stay not only for family reasons but because I genuinely like the club,” Fernandes told Canal 11. “But from the club’s side, I felt a bit of: ‘If you go, it’s not really that bad for us.’ That hurts me a little. More than hurting, it makes me sad, because I’m a player they have nothing to criticise me for. I’m always available for every match, I always play, whether well or badly. I give my maximum.”
Fernandes brings incredible intelligence and work rate onto the pitch, supported by stunning technique that has put him above his United teammates, who all feed off him. It is hard to argue that any other Premier League captain is more influential than Fernandes, and United have reaped the awards.
