“They push us”: Fernandes pinpoints key reason behind his and team’s success this season

Manchester United fans once again rewarded their talisman, Bruno Fernandes. Stellar season After last season’s embarrassment of finishing 15th in the league, Manchester United needed to respond this year. They have done just that, especially since Michael Carrick became interim manager in January and now looks poised to seal the job permanently. There have been a number of strong performers this season, including Casemiro and new signings Senne Lammens and Matheus Cunha, but Bruno Fernandes’ performances outclass all of them. The Portuguese midfielder has 19 assists in the league, and with two matches left, could grab the two assists he needs to break the Premier League record of 20 in one season. Another award Fernandes was once again rewarded by the fans and voted the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for the fifth time. This is incredible when you consider he only joined the club in January 2020. He has now moved clear of four-time winners David De Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking to club media, Fernandes expressed his delight at taking home the award. Grateful He explained, “obviously I’m very grateful for that. We all know we all play for our fan base, for our club, and obviously getting this award from them, it’s always very special.” Fernandes continued to praise the role of the club’s fantastic supporters by stating, “I think the main thing that they give to us is the belief that we are capable to do big things and great things for the club. And I think when they have that belief in us, they push us to achieve big things every season.” He added, “obviously, we all know what’s the aim for this club and to play for this club. And we know how much they want to see all of us succeed. And I think the belief they have in the players is the main thing, and special for me. That’s the thing that stands out.” Champions League ambition Fernandes also expressed his relief that the club was able to follow through on its clear ambition to get back into the Champions League for next season. He explained, “of course, it’s been a long time that we’re not there, something that this club is not used to. And obviously, I think I talk for me, but for every player that is here, when you come to this club, you want to play in the biggest competitions. You want to compete for the high things. And obviously going into next season and having the opportunity of playing against the best teams in Europe is something great.” Fernandes was also quick to highlight the role of other players in the squad and stated, “I think the players created those moments individually for the team. And I think we had a lot of players this season that stood out and were brilliant for us.” The captain closed his interview by once again pinpointing the role of the fans and claimed, “they always showed their love and their support and belief in ourselves. So a big thanks for all that they have done, but let’s finish on a high note.” Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League33338195-2,888′ FA Cup11-1–90′ EFL Cup10—-45′ Total35348205-3,023′ Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.