Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes faces heavy scrutiny after a difficult start to the season contrasted with his record-breaking form last year.
Fernandes Struggles to Replicate Form
Fernandes set a new Premier League record for assists in a single season last year and earned both the Football Writers’ and PFA Men’s Player of the Year awards. He has struggled to replicate that influence. While he recorded three goals and an assist in six league matches, those contributions arrived entirely during a 5-2 win against Ipswich. His chance creation has dropped to 2.5 per match, the second-lowest rate since joining the club, while his shots on target average just 0.8 per match.
The midfielder has been managing a physical issue over the past month. Despite this, he has remained a fixture in Michael Carrick’s side, starting seven of United’s eight games. Carrick defended his captain’s commitment while noting that no player is guaranteed a spot in the starting eleven. Carrick noted, He was carrying something,
but added that the player was pretty much over it
and remains in good shape.
“Nobody’s guaranteed a place in the team. There’s a level of performance, there’s a level of behaviour, there’s a level of understanding that we need as a group and as a squad and as a team to perform.”
Michael Carrick, Manchester United head coach
Tactical Instability at Old Trafford
Benjamin Sesko’s absence is felt, as Fernandes created four of the nine league goals the Slovenian scored in 2026. Fernandes also set up four of the final five goals Casemiro scored as a Manchester United player from February onwards.
A plan to use Bryan Mbeumo as a number nine was scrapped when Amad Diallo suffered an ankle injury just before the opening game at Hull, leading to Matheus Cunha being deployed instead. Cunha repeatedly dropped deep into the space Fernandes occupied, causing the pair to clash. Fernandes failed to register a shot on target in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham.
Critics Question Captaincy
Former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend questioned Fernandes’ leadership following a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, stating that when things are not going well, the captain must step up and do more. Arsenal great Emmanuel Petit also questioned whether the skipper has grown tired of carrying the team, noting that he appears detached during matches. Petit observed that in recent footage, the midfielder looks like he is not there anymore.
Carrick Backs Midfielder
Carrick maintains confidence in his captain, noting that the midfielder has done incredible things
for the club in the past. Carrick emphasized that the team is missing an out-and-out striker and lacks balance in midfield. The manager insists that while Fernandes must improve, the responsibility to save the season lies with the entire squad.
Sometimes things don’t quite go for you. Sometimes you have a spell of that.
Michael Carrick, Manchester United head coach
The club now faces away matches against Leeds and Como.