Perhaps it became a bit of an end-of-season sideshow for Manchester United, perhaps it didn’t. Whatever the case, Bruno Fernandes‘ record-breaking Premier League campaign shouldn’t be forgotten too readily.
Following an initial slow start as part of a midfield two in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, the Portuguese skipper came alive under the Michael Carrick regime, fittingly securing his 21st and final assist of the season on the final day.
He now stands head and shoulders above the rest in that regard in Premier League history, boasting a record that perhaps only he will be able to better any time soon.
The 31-year-old hasn’t been everyone’s cup of tea during his time in English football, but it would be folly to suggest that anyone else should have been crowned the PFA Player of the Year.
Why Fernandes deserved to win the PFA Player of the Year award
Those of an Arsenal persuasion might well be feeling a little aggrieved not to see one of their own lift the trophy on Tuesday night, but the league’s best player doesn’t have to belong to the league’s best team.
Look to United’s treble-winning campaign of 1998/99, a stellar season that ended with, checks notes, Tottenham Hotspur’s David Ginola picking up the PFA gong.
It’s all about individual achievement and quality, and no one eclipsed Fernandes in that regard, producing nine more assists than the man in second, Rayan Cherki.
|
25/26 Premier League |
|
|---|---|
|
Assists |
‘Big chances’ created |
|
21- Fernandes |
33 – Fernandes |
|
12 – Cherki |
19 – Cherki |
|
11 – Bowen |
17 – Rice |
|
8 – Haaland |
16 – Bowen |
|
7 – Garner |
15 – Pino |
|
7 – Szoboszlai |
14 – Szoboszlai |
|
7 – Wilson |
14 – Wharton |
|
7 – Salah |
|
In terms of ‘big chances’ created too, the ex-Sporting CP star was again way out in front with 33, with Cherki the man in second in that regard on just 19.
Look to his perfectly weighted pass for Matheus Cunha’s goal against Aston Villa, or his expertly timed through ball to Bryan Mbeumo in the Manchester derby.
Last season, Fernandes truly looked like a master of work, with it somewhat forgotten that he also chipped in with nine goals himself, a tally that included a breathtaking, pinpoint free-kick at home to Bournemouth.
Time and again, he conjures something out of nothing, producing a performance worthy of the entrance fee. Would anyone really pay just to watch Declan Rice?
Of course, such highs need to be followed by collective success, as Fernandes was himself quick to point out on Tuesday, but that’s up to INEOS to build a formidable team around the captain.
How Man Utd could seal another Fernandes-level signing
The frustration following Saturday’s defeat to Hull City was evident, with Fernandes outlining the parallels to last season, as United again struggled on the road.
Right at the point where this team feels ready to kick on and properly challenge, there’s often a step back taken, with the defeat to the Tigers serving a reminder as to the shortcomings in this squad.
The recent arrival of Carlos Baleba will help to bolster the ranks, but supporters will be hoping for more before the window is out, even after forking out roughly £155m already.
According to reports in Spain, for instance, the Red Devils are preparing to submit a bid to Real Madrid for the signing of Eduardo Camavinga, alongside their parallel pursuit of Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde.
In Camavinga’s case, the offer is set to be in the region of €50m (£42m), a relative snip for a player of his quality and potential, considering the Frenchman is still only 23.
Now, the question is as to how United would intend to use the former Rennes star, having already brought in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Baleba, but his ability to operate at left-back would be a real bonus.
As a pure midfielder too, he has been hailed as “one of the best no.6s in world football” by Arsenal reporter and analyst, Harvey Diamonds, with there certainly reason to be excited about a potential move.
Indeed, United have seen few players in recent times who appear to have elite potential, few who can mirror Fernandes by emerging as one of the best around in Europe and in the Premier League.
Well, even at 23, Camavinga feels like a genuine superstar in the making who could also mirror Fernandes by making an immediate impact, having previously been tipped to become the “best midfielder in the world” by his agent, Jonathan Barnett.
His wealth of experience at such a young age far outstrips the likes of Baleba and Santos, having already made 224 appearances in Madrid, after previously racking up 88 senior outings back in France.
Considering he’s not the star attraction at the Bernabeu, it is easy to overlook his quality at times. And yet, this is a player who compares so favourably to his peers.
Indeed, Camavinga ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for defensive ground duels won per 90, as well as in the top 2% for blocks and the top 5% for tackles and interceptions made.
Perhaps more notably too, he also ranks in the top 7% of midfielders for through-ball passes made per 90, as well as in the top 4% for passes into the final third, mirroring Fernandes as someone who always looks to play forward.
For context, the United skipper ranks in the top 1% and the top 9% for those same two metrics, respectively.
That certainly bodes well for the impact Camavinga can make at Old Trafford, with this a signing of genuine quality who could add another layer of stardust to Carrick’s midfield or full-back ranks.
