Manchester United’s rising forward Benjamin Sesko has openly championed his teammate Bruno Fernandes as the frontrunner for the Premier League Player of the Year award, while also praising the captain’s leadership and impact on the squad. Fernandes, who is widely regarded as one of the season’s standout performers, has already amassed an impressive tally of 18 assists in the league, a figure that places him just two contributions shy of the all‑time single‑season record in the top flight since the 1992‑93 campaign. Sesko, who is enjoying his inaugural season in English football, highlighted how integral Fernandes has been to his own success.
Of the nine Premier League goals Sesko has netted so far, four were directly set up by the Portuguese play‑maker. The young striker expressed his gratitude for the chance to learn from a captain of Fernandes’ calibre, noting that the guidance he receives extends beyond match days. "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 about whether he believes Fernandes truly deserves the Player of the Season accolade, Sesko was unequivocal: "He’s great.
He’s my teammate. And of course, always stand up for my teammates, yeah, he should win it." The endorsement carries weight, given Sesko’s rapid adaptation to the rigours of the Premier League and his growing reputation as a clinical finisher. His confidence has been buoyed by United’s recent form, which has seen the club edge ever closer to a coveted return to the Champions League. At present, six points appear sufficient to secure a top‑five finish, a realistic target that has injected optimism throughout the Old Trafford dressing room.
Beyond the individual accolade, Sesko spoke about the collective ambition within the squad. "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," he said. The Slovenian forward added that he envisions United lifting major trophies in the near future.
"I would like to really achieve some trophies here. I think there would be something that we just can’t forget for life at all. And of course, we need to do a lot for it, but I believe we have the capacity to do that." United’s interim manager, former player Michael Carrick, also weighed in on the factors behind Fernandes’ dazzling form ahead of the Monday Night Football fixture at Old Trafford.
Carrick explained that the club has deliberately constructed a system that maximises Fernandes’ creative strengths while also demanding defensive discipline from the entire team. "I think we’ve given Bruno the platform to go and perform like all the players," Carrick said during his pre‑match press conference. "We’re trying to create the structure and a team set‑up to bring out the best of everyone within that.
There are obviously limitations, as everyone has to sacrifice a little bit for the good of the team, but I like seeing Bruno in attacking positions with a little bit of freedom." The manager praised Fernandes not only for his attacking contributions – three goals and nine assists since Carrick’s appointment – but also for his work off the ball. "He obviously plays for the team, and he has big responsibility within that. He did that ever so well, especially on Saturday, without the ball and the defensive work that he did," Carrick observed. He continued, "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.
So a lot of it’s in trust and trying to put him in a position where we think he can make the biggest difference, really, about the various qualities that he’s got." Sesko’s admiration for Fernandes reflects a broader sentiment within the squad: a belief that the captain’s vision and work ethic elevate the entire team. The young striker’s comments also underline the mentorship culture that is emerging at United, where seasoned internationals like Fernandes guide newcomers through the challenges of Premier League football.
This dynamic has helped Sesko settle quickly, as evidenced by his goal contributions and his willingness to absorb tactical advice. Looking ahead, United’s campaign remains tightly contested. The race for a Champions League spot is still open, with every point crucial.
Yet the optimism expressed by both players and coaching staff suggests that the club is building momentum. If Fernandes continues to deliver the creative spark that has already resulted in a near‑record assist haul, and if Sesko keeps translating those chances into goals, United could well finish the season on a high note, perhaps even clinching a domestic cup or securing that elusive top‑five finish. In summary, Benjamin Sesko’s endorsement of Bruno Fernandes underscores the Portuguese midfielder’s dual role as both a prolific playmaker and a respected leader.
Their partnership on the pitch—highlighted by four of Sesko’s nine league goals coming directly from Fernandes’ passes—exemplifies the kind of synergy that can propel a team toward success. As United push for European qualification and aim for silverware, the mutual respect and shared ambition between the club’s emerging talent and its seasoned captain may prove to be the catalyst that drives them forward.