Manchester United’s emerging striker Benjamin Sesko has publicly thrown his support behind team‑mate Bruno Fernandes in the race for the Premier League Player of the Year accolade, praising the Portuguese midfielder’s impact both on and off the pitch. Fernandes, who is already counted among the frontrunners after a season that has seen him orchestrate United’s attack with remarkable consistency, is on the cusp of matching a historic benchmark.
The 31‑year‑old has supplied 18 assists in the league so far, a tally that sits just two short of the all‑time single‑season record in the top flight since the 1992‑93 campaign. Such numbers underline why many pundits and fans alike view him as the most likely candidate for the coveted award. Sesko’s own contributions this term have been closely linked to Fernandes’s creativity.
Of the nine Premier League goals the Slovenian has netted during his debut campaign in England, four have come directly from a Fernandes pass. The young forward says he feels privileged to learn from the captain’s example and to benefit from his guidance during training sessions.
"I’m constantly receiving instructions from Bruno," Sesko told Sky Sports. "Whether it’s before a session, during drills or after we finish, I just follow his advice without overthinking it. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to work alongside him day in, day out." When pressed on whether he believes Fernandes truly deserves the Player of the Season prize, Sesko was unequivocal: "He’s fantastic. He’s my teammate, and he always looks out for us.
He definitely deserves to win it." United are edging closer to a Champions League qualification spot, with six points appearing sufficient to secure a top‑five finish. The club’s recent form has injected confidence into the squad, and Sesko is convinced that the team possesses the quality to challenge for major silverware. "We’ve been performing well, and although there are still matches left, the spirit within the group is excellent," he said.
"I’m learning a great deal from this experience – we have talented players, a top‑class coaching staff, and a clear ambition to win trophies. I believe we have the capacity to achieve something memorable, even if it will require hard work and consistency." Interim manager Michael Carrick also weighed in on the factors behind Fernandes’s flourishing form ahead of United’s Monday Night Football fixture at Old Trafford.
Carrick highlighted the club’s efforts to provide an environment that maximises the midfielder’s strengths. "We’ve built a platform that allows Bruno to express himself and deliver his best," Carrick explained in a press conference. "Our aim is to shape a structure where every player can thrive, even if it means some individuals make small sacrifices for the collective good.
I enjoy seeing Bruno operate in advanced positions with a degree of freedom – it brings out his creativity and vision." He continued, "Bruno is not just a playmaker; he contributes defensively and works tirelessly off the ball. His intelligence, technical ability, and leadership make him a pivotal figure in the dressing room and on the field. Trusting him in key moments is essential, and his influence resonates throughout the squad." Beyond the tactical discussion, Sesko reflected on how the mentorship from Fernandes has accelerated his adaptation to English football. The Slovenian noted that the captain’s willingness to share insights, from positioning to decision‑making, has helped him refine his own game.
"Every time Bruno gives me a tip, whether it’s about timing a run or reading a defender’s movement, I try to apply it immediately," Sesko said. "His experience is a resource I value highly, and it’s helped me grow faster than I imagined when I first arrived from Slovenia." The striker also emphasized the broader ambition of the club. United’s supporters have long awaited a return to the elite European competition, and the recent points haul suggests that goal is within reach.
"We’re close to securing a Champions League spot, and that fuels our desire to push for more," Sesko added. "The atmosphere in the camp is positive, and we’re all motivated to finish the season strongly. If we keep this momentum, there’s no reason we can’t compete for cups and perhaps even challenge for the league title." In summary, Sesko’s endorsement of Fernandes underscores the midfielder’s pivotal role in United’s resurgence.
With Fernandes nearing a record‑breaking assist tally and the team closing in on a top‑five finish, the synergy between the seasoned captain and the promising newcomer appears to be a key ingredient in Manchester United’s quest for success this season.