From where Manchester United started the season to where they are now, the transformation is nothing short of a footballing revival.

The Red Devils have endured years in the doldrums, and while Ruben Amorim’s appointment ultimately proved unsuccessful, he at least got them playing somewhat cohesive football, which helped them climb the Premier League table. Michael Carrick has since taken over with a dual mission: restore pride to the club and push for a Champions League spot that still feels within reach.

Bruno Fernandes: United’s linchpin

Carrick needs all his players firing on all cylinders, and there’s no one more crucial to that than captain Bruno Fernandes.

Often criticized by pundits and former players for his temperament or for not leading like Roy Keane or Bryan Robson, Fernandes has consistently answered the call on the pitch and in front of the cameras, unafraid to speak honestly after setbacks.

This season, Fernandes leads the Premier League in assists with 10 and has contributed five goals. Since joining from Sporting in 2019, he has consistently delivered, posting remarkable stats in every campaign:

• 2019/20: 14 games, 8 goals, 7 assists
• 2020/21: 37 games, 18 goals, 12 assists
• 2021/22: 36 games, 10 goals, 6 assists
• 2022/23: 37 games, 8 goals, 8 assists
• 2023/24: 35 games, 10 goals, 8 assists
• 2024/25: 36 games, 8 goals, 10 assists

Across all competitions—Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Community Shield, Europa League, and Champions League—Fernandes has amassed 103 goals (at least 10 more than the next United player, Marcus Rashford) and 94 assists (55 more than his nearest teammate, Rashford with 39).

Beyond goals and assists

Fernandes’ influence extends well beyond scoring. His 16,513 passes since 2019/20 dwarf other teammates (Harry Maguire: 13,946), with 11,601 delivered in the attacking half, nearly double that of Maguire (5,310).

Crossing? Fernandes leads again with 118 successful deliveries, ahead of Diogo Dalot’s 100. Tackling? He’s tops with 570 tackles made and 316 won. His dueling ability is unmatched too: 2,911 attempted one-on-ones, winning 1,318, well ahead of anyone else in the squad.

Fernandes also dominates in winning possession, reclaiming the ball 1,657 times—488 more than Maguire.

Why United can’t risk losing him

All this makes one thing clear: Fernandes remains the heartbeat of Manchester United. Yet reports suggest he’s growing frustrated with the club’s direction and could consider one last big payday elsewhere.

United face a dilemma: Fernandes has a contract until 2027 with an option for an extra year, but any significant wage increase could push his weekly salary to around £400,000. At 32 next season, this makes the decision both financially and strategically complex.

The truth is, Fernandes currently holds all the cards. If he wants to move, there’s little the club can do to prevent it. But if he signals a desire to stay, United’s board must act swiftly.

In short: give him what he wants—because losing Bruno Fernandes is a luxury Old Trafford simply cannot afford.