Manchester United’s emerging striker Benjamin Sesko has publicly voiced his support for teammate Bruno Fernandes in the race for the Premier League Player of the Year award, while also highlighting the profound impact the Portuguese captain has on the squad. Fernandes, who has been a standout performer throughout the season, is widely regarded as one of the front‑runners for the honour after delivering an exceptional campaign for the Red Devils. At 31, he has already recorded 18 assists in the league, a tally that sits just two short of the all‑time single‑season record in the top flight since the 1992‑93 season, underscoring his creative influence and vision on the pitch. Sesko’s own debut season in England has been closely intertwined with Fernandes’s playmaking.
Out of the nine Premier League goals that Sesko has netted so far, four have come directly from Fernandes’s passes, illustrating the strong link between the young forward and the seasoned midfielder. The Slovenian striker expressed his gratitude for the chance to learn from his captain, noting that he receives constant guidance both on and off the training ground.
"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 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." The endorsement from a rising star adds another layer of credibility to Fernandes’s candidacy, especially as United edge closer to securing a Champions League spot. Six points appear to be sufficient for the club to finish within the top five, a realistic target that would mark a significant step forward after a period of inconsistency.
Beyond the individual accolade, Sesko’s comments reflect a broader optimism within the squad. He believes the team possesses the spirit and quality required to compete for major trophies. "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. Sesko added that he hopes to help United achieve silverware, noting that the experience of competing at the highest level is something he will never forget. "I would like to really achieve some trophies here.
I think there would be something that we just can’t forget in 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, Michael Carrick, also weighed in on the factors behind Fernandes’s form ahead of the Monday Night Football clash at Old Trafford.
Carrick praised the club’s approach to giving the midfielder a platform to excel, stating, "I think we’ve given Bruno the platform to go and perform like all the players. I think we’re trying to create the structure and a team set‑up to try and bring out the best of everyone within that." Carrick highlighted the balance between team discipline and individual freedom, explaining that while every player must make sacrifices for the collective good, allowing Fernandes a degree of creative liberty in attacking positions has paid dividends. He described Fernandes as a player who “plays for the team, has big responsibility, and does that exceptionally well, especially when he’s off the ball and contributing defensively.” Carrick further emphasized the trust placed in the Portuguese star, noting his intelligence, creativity, and leadership within the squad.
"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," the interim boss said. The synergy between Sesko and Fernandes exemplifies the kind of mentorship that can accelerate the development of young talent at a club with United’s stature. Sesko’s willingness to absorb advice, combined with Fernandes’s willingness to share his experience, creates a virtuous cycle that benefits both individuals and the team as a whole. This dynamic is especially valuable as United aims to re‑establish itself among Europe’s elite, a goal that requires both seasoned leaders and hungry newcomers to perform in harmony.
In addition to the on‑field narrative, the broader context of United’s season includes a push for Champions League qualification, a renewed focus on tactical discipline under Carrick’s interim stewardship, and an ambitious transfer strategy aimed at bolstering depth across the squad. The club’s recent performances suggest a resurgence in confidence, with a blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity that has seen them climb the league table.
Looking ahead, Sesko’s optimism and Fernandes’s creative spark could be pivotal as United navigates the final stretch of the campaign. If the team maintains its current trajectory, the Red Devils could not only secure a top‑five finish but also mount a serious challenge for domestic cups, adding further motivation for players to strive for excellence.
The mutual respect between a young striker and a veteran midfielder, as highlighted by Sesko’s remarks, underscores a culture of learning and ambition that may well define United’s resurgence in the coming months.