Why Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes 'deserves' the Premier League player of the season award, and could he 'do a Harry Kane'?

Should Bruno Fernandes be favourite for the Premier League player of the season award? TNT Sports caught up with ex-Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves to evaluate the Portuguese's stellar season for The Red Devils, in which he has returned some extraordinary numbers. Hargreaves also considered what Fernandes' future might look like after this summer's World Cup.

Where do you stand on the Premier League player of the season debate?

With spring arriving, thoughts are unavoidably turning to the standout players this term.

Declan Rice and Gabriel have formed the backbone of Arsenal's title challenge that looks like it will end in a first title for The Gunners since 2004. But should the award go to the best player, irrespective of who wins the title?

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TNT Sports caught up with one of Manchester United's midfield legends, Owen Hargreaves, to ask the burning question - should Bruno Fernandes be the man that wins it, given his sparkling season for The Red Devils?

"He’s up there," Hargreaves said. "I think right now he’s the best player in the Premier League, just in terms of creation and assists.

"I think if Arsenal win the league, I think it will be Gabriel or Declan Rice. Gabriel’s been the best defender this season. If Arsenal win, I think it will be one of those two. If not, then I think Bruno definitely deserves to win it. I think he’s been the best outfield player that’s more of an attacking player, not a defender."

Arsenal are nine points clear of closest rivals Manchester City, who have a game in hand and host The Gunners on April 19.

The stats that back it up

Fernandes has had a brilliant Premier League season on the eye, but on the stats sheet it is arguably even more impressive.

The Portuguese midfielder is top-ranked in a swathe of categories despite operating in a side that struggled for fluency under Ruben Amorim earlier in the campaign.

Stat	No.	Rank
Chances created	101	1
Chances created open play	73	1
Chances created set play	28	=1
Big chances created	24	1
Expected assists	9.08	1
Assists	16	1
Assist from set play	9	1
Passes into the box	247	1

Data: Opta

And it is not just the fact he is top-ranked in the above areas, but also the margin by which he leads them.

For example, he has:

• Double the assists of his nearest challenger (Rayan Cherki on eight)
• 43 more chances created than the next best (Declan Rice on 58)
• 26 more chances created from open play than the second-placed Florian Wirtz (on 47)

Fernandes names his Man Utd midfield idols – but who made the grade?

Video credit: TNT Sports

Fernandes' season could get better still

There are still seven games left to go for Man Utd in the 2025/26 Premier League and so Fernandes' remarkable season could get better still.

He has already broken a United club record for most assists in a season, overtaking David Beckham's record of 15 by registering two in the win over Aston Villa.

And he could yet reach Thierry Henry's record for the most assists in a season (20).

But there is one record held by a fellow Portuguese that will likely prove out of reach.

Cristiano Ronaldo's mark of 37 goal contributions in a Premier League season still stands as Manchester United's best-ever in the competition. Fernandes is currently on 23 but could yet surpass his own highest G+A tally in a single season - 30 in 2020-21.

But perhaps Bruno's best ability is his availability, with the Portuguese schemer missing just three games this season, part of an astonishing record of consistency that has seen him - per Opta - play in 94.1% (320 out of 340) of all Manchester United matches since his debut.

'Let him be creative' - Carrick says freedom is key to Fernandes' game

Video credit: TNT Sports

Could Fernandes 'do a Kane'?

Despite all his individual brilliance, Fernandes still only has one EFL Cup and one FA Cup to show for his six years at Manchester United.

Could he be tempted to target silverware in the latter part of his career, similar to Harry Kane's move from Tottenham to Bayern Munich back in 2023?

"It’s tough for Bruno because he’s 31, he’s been an incredible servant. He’s been one of the best signings Man Utd have made in the past 10 years," Hargreaves said.

"It’s just a shame the team hasn’t played to the level of the team that we had and the players that we had. It’s unfortunate for him.

"I think he’s been loyal to the club, and it will be interesting if he stays. I think the club potentially tried to do something last summer.

"I hope he stays, but I can understand why a lot of other teams would want him because he’s just so special."

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