Manchester United's new signing, forward Benjamin Sesko, has openly championed his teammate Bruno Fernandes as the leading candidate for the Premier League Player of the Year trophy, while also highlighting the profound impact the Portuguese playmaker has on the squad. Fernandes, who has been instrumental in United's resurgence this season, is already counted among the frontrunners for the accolade after delivering a campaign that can be described as nothing short of spectacular. At 31, the midfielder has already supplied 18 assists in the league, a tally that places him merely two contributions away from the all‑time single‑season record that has stood since the Premier League’s inception in 1992. Sesko, who is completing his debut season in English football, has already found the back of the net nine times in the Premier League, and four of those goals were set up directly by Fernandes.
The Slovak striker expressed his gratitude for the chance to learn from a captain of such calibre. "I’m also getting a lot of instructions from Bruno," Sesko told Sky Sports. "Every single training, after training, sometimes before training – whatever he tells you, just do it, don’t think twice. And that’s what I said.
I’m really grateful to have this opportunity to be around him." When pressed on whether he believes Fernandes truly deserves the Player of the Season award, Sesko was unequivocal: "He’s great. He’s my teammate. And of course, always stand up for my teammates, yeah, he should win it." His endorsement adds to the growing chorus of voices within the club and the broader football community that see Fernandes as a transformative figure.
United are inching closer to a Champions League qualification spot, with six points generally enough to secure a top‑five finish. The team’s upward trajectory has infused Sesko with confidence, and he is convinced that the collective talent at Old Trafford can translate into major silverware. "I think we did great. Still, some games left, but I think we’re doing great.
We have a great spirit in the team. I’m learning a lot from the experience.
We are here, great players, great coaching staff. I would really like to achieve some trophies here. I think there’s something we just can’t forget, life at all.
And of course, we need to do a lot for it, but I believe we have the capacity to do that," he said. The interim manager, former player Michael Carrick, also spoke about the environment that has allowed Fernandes to flourish. Ahead of United’s Monday Night Football clash at Old Trafford, Carrick explained that the club has deliberately built a structure that maximises the creative freedom of its key playmakers.
"I think we’ve given Bruno the platform to go and perform like all the players," he said. "We’re trying to create a structure and a team set‑up to bring out the best in everyone. There are obviously limitations – everyone has to sacrifice a little for the good of the team – but I like seeing Bruno in attacking positions with a bit of freedom." Carrick praised Fernandes’s dual role as both a creator and a defensive contributor, noting his work rate off the ball.
"He obviously plays for the team and has a big responsibility within that. He did that ever so well, especially on Saturday, without the ball and the defensive work that he did. So he’s got big responsibility, but trusting him, trusting him, you know, he’s a very good player. He sees things; he’s creative.
He’s got a really good brain. He’s a big part of the group as well, and a big influence. A lot of it is trust and putting him in a position where he can make the biggest difference, given the various qualities he’s got." Sesko’s admiration for Fernandes extends beyond the tactical; it reflects a broader cultural shift within the squad.
The young striker, arriving from the Slovenian league, has spoken about how the mentorship and guidance he receives from senior figures have accelerated his adaptation to the English game. He frequently cites the captain’s willingness to share insights on positioning, movement, and the mental aspects of high‑pressure matches. This mentorship model is a cornerstone of United’s rebuilding strategy under the current coaching staff, who aim to blend youthful exuberance with seasoned professionalism. Beyond the pitch, the media narrative around Fernandes’s potential Player of the Year win has been amplified by fan campaigns, social media trends, and regular coverage on platforms like Sky Sports.
The midfielder’s statistical output—three goals and nine assists since Carrick’s appointment—adds a quantitative backbone to the qualitative praise he receives. Analysts point to his expected assists (xA) and progressive passes as evidence of his ability to unlock defences and dictate tempo. In summary, Benjamin Sesko’s public endorsement underscores the respect Fernandes commands within the United dressing room. It also highlights the broader belief that United’s current project, built on a foundation of tactical flexibility, strong leadership, and a blend of youth and experience, is capable of challenging for major honours.
Whether Fernandes ultimately lifts the Player of the Year trophy remains to be seen, but the consensus among teammates like Sesko suggests his influence is already leaving an indelible mark on the club’s fortunes.