Bruno Fernandes is one of the best midfielders in world football. When it comes to goals and assists, only a few midfielders can rival him and the numbers back that up. Since joining Manchester United in January 2020, his Premier League stats are staggering: (Stats via SkySports)
- 1st in games played
- 6th in goals scored
- 3rd in assists
- 3rd in overall goal involvements
- 2nd in shots taken
- 1st in chances created—ahead of Kevin De Bruyne
Fernandes has been a creative engine, dragging United forward through some of the club’s darkest modern years. If he had played for a more stable “big six” side, there’s little doubt he’d already be in the all-time Premier League midfield GOAT conversation. But like Steven Gerrard during Liverpool’s inconsistent years, Bruno’s brilliance has often gone under appreciated, though Gerrard at least lifted a Champions League trophy. Bruno, on the other hand, ends this season having lost his second Europa League final while United recorded their worst league finish in over 50 years.
This poor team performance has sparked debate online, with some fans suggesting it’s time to move on from Bruno. But is he really the one to let go?
Bruno by the Numbers
Since arriving in the Premier League, Bruno Fernandes has scored 62 goals and provided 51 assists from midfield.
In the 2024/25 season alone, he scored 8 goals and added 10 assists, directly contributing to 18 of United’s 44 Premier League goals, over 40% of the team’s total. Even more impressive, 12 of those 18 goal contributions were match-changing, either giving United the lead or leveling the score.
By conservative estimate, Bruno’s contributions earned United around 25 points this season. Without them, the club could have finished near the bottom of the table, potentially relegated, only ahead of Southampton with 17 points.
Of course, others might have stepped up in his absence but this season, they didn’t. Bruno did. And that’s just in the league. In the Europa League, he added 7 goals and 4 assists, making him the joint top scorer and outright leader in total goal involvements. Even in Europe, where United ultimately fell short, Bruno was carrying the team.
More Than a Creator
Fernandes didn’t just contribute going forward. Defensively, he put in elite-level work for an attacking midfielder:
- 96th percentile for tackles (2.43 per 90)
- 86th percentile for interceptions (0.69 per 90)
- 73rd percentile for blocks (1.07 per 90)
- 89th percentile for clearances (1.17 per 90)
- 75th percentile for aerial duels won (0.82 per 90)
He’s the team’s chief creator and a top defensive contributor. That combination is rare and irreplaceable for a club lacking direction.(Stats via FBref)
The Al Hilal Offer and Transfer Talk
With Saudi side Al Hilal reportedly offering over €100 million for Bruno, some fans have compared the situation to Philippe Coutinho’s exit from Liverpool. But there are key differences.
Coutinho wanted to leave and forced the move, falling out with the club and supporters. Bruno, on the other hand, has reportedly turned down Saudi money and committed himself to helping a struggling United.
Second, Liverpool under Michael Edwards and Jürgen Klopp had a clear strategy: targeting young, hungry players who fit their system. Even Klopp had to justify signings, famously losing out on Julian Brandt and instead bringing in Mohamed Salah, who became a club legend.
United, by contrast, have lacked vision. They signed veteran Cristiano Ronaldo to replace a slightly younger Edinson Cavani. They bought Donny van de Beek just six months after Bruno, with no clear plan. These scattershot decisions have rarely worked out, except for Bruno Fernandes.
The Future: Build Around Him
With no European football and a full preseason ahead, new manager Rúben Amorim could finally bring structure to this United side. Bruno Fernandes, whether playing as a No. 10 or deeper in midfield, will be vital.
Selling him might bring a big fee but replacing his consistency in goals, assists, and defensive effort would be nearly impossible. Letting him go now would not be rebuilding, it would be self-sabotage.