Bruno Fernandes: United’s unsung hero, can he be called a club legend?

There are some players who have shown quality for their club or country without the deserving respect and admonition from either fans, pundits, teammates, or football executives. One of such players is Bruno Fernandes, since his arrival at Manchester United in January 2020 has been a transformative presence, revitalizing the team’s midfield and significantly contributing to their successes. His impact is evident not only in his impressive statistics but also in the leadership qualities he brings to the squad.

However, with all his quality and talent given to a long struggling United, he is still a subject of criticism and query from the media. Thus, this piece is set to explore his performances, records and impact in the team as well as provide the answer for the question “should he be given the status of a club legend in Manchester United.”

Fernandes statistical achievements

Appearances and Durability: Fernandes reached the milestone of 250 appearances for Manchester United in March 2025, becoming one of only 13 non-British or Irish players to do so. Remarkably, he achieved this in just 1,744 days, missing only 15 games due to various reasons, emphasizing his resilience and commitment to the team, that has been plagued with inconsistencies, inefficient teammates, poor confidence, and club scandals.

In his 250 appearances, Fernandes has scored over 90 goals, surpassing the legendary Eric Cantona’s tally of 82. Additionally, he has provided 72 assists, making him one of the most productive midfielders in the Premier League since his debut. Still on his statistics and records, Fernandes since February 2020 has more combined goals and assists (198). Only Mohamed Salah of Liverpool has more goal contributions than Fernandes’ 155 in the Premier League, highlighting his offensive prowess.

Speaking more on his goal contributions record since his debut for the Red devils in the Premier League, Fernandes is ranked third in 108 goal involvement, third in assists (48), second in big chances created (108) and first with 506 chances created.

READ MORE

What happened to Antony? From United squad dropout to Real Betis sensation

Harry Maguire: From Mockery to Manchester United Star

Alejandro Garnacho’s Transfer Saga: Stay in United or Exit?

Fernandes leadership and influence

Beyond his statistical contributions, Fernandes has been lauded for his leadership on and off the pitch. His ability to inspire teammates and drive the team’s attacking play has drawn comparisons to Manchester United legends like Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney. Paul Scholes, a club icon, remarked that Fernandes has “brought life” back into the team, emphasizing his transformative effect.

Fernandes recent performances

In Premier League game week 28 fixture against Arsenal, Fernandes was in the score sheet through a 26 yards free kick goal, making it his third free kick goal in 2024/25 season and the only player to have more in the Premier League. He again showed his quality in a Europa League match against Real Sociedad, by scoring a hat-trick, leading United to a 4-1 victory and progressing to the quarter-finals. These performances not only demonstrated his goal-scoring ability but also his capacity to perform under pressure, further solidifying his importance to the team.

Could Fernandes earn a legendary status in Manchester United?

Determining whether Fernandes can be considered a Manchester United legend involves assessing his contributions relative to the club’s storied history. His impressive statistics, leadership qualities, and the tangible improvement in the team’s performances since his arrival position him favorably. However, the term “legend” at Manchester United is often reserved for those who have led the club to major trophies and sustained success over a prolonged period. While Fernandes has been instrumental, the team has yet to secure significant silverware during his tenure, perhaps a Premier League title or a European trophy

Conclusion

Bruno Fernandes has undeniably been a pivotal figure for Manchester United since 2020. His individual brilliance, coupled with his leadership, has had a profound impact on the team. Should he continue on this trajectory and guide United to major honors, his place among the club’s legends would be well-deserved.