Manchester United’s young forward Benjamin Sesko has openly championed his teammate Bruno Fernandes as the frontrunner for the Premier League Player of the Year trophy, while also highlighting the profound impact the Portuguese playmaker has on the squad. Sesko’s comments, given during a Sky Sports interview, underline both his admiration for Fernandes and the mentorship he receives from the club captain.
Fernandes, now 31, is widely regarded as one of the season’s most influential figures. His statistical output backs that reputation: he has supplied 18 assists in the Premier League so far, a tally that sits just two short of the all‑time single‑season record set in the modern era of English football.
Those numbers illustrate why he is a leading contender for the coveted individual award. For Sesko, the connection with Fernandes is not merely theoretical.
In his debut Premier League campaign, the Slovenian striker has found the back of the net nine times, and four of those goals were directly set up by Fernandes. The young forward says he feels fortunate to train and play alongside a captain who consistently offers guidance both on and off the pitch. "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 award, Sesko answered without hesitation: "He’s great.
He’s my teammate. And of course, always stand up for my teammates, yeah, he should win it." United are inching closer to a Champions League return, with six points likely enough to secure a top‑five finish. The club’s recent form has bolstered Sesko’s confidence, and he is convinced that the team possesses the quality to compete for 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 can’t forget in life at all.
And of course, we need to work a lot for it, but I believe we have the capacity to do that," he explained. Interim manager Michael Carrick also weighed in on the secret behind Fernandes’ flourishing form ahead of United’s Monday Night Football clash at Old Trafford. Carrick noted that the club has deliberately built a system that maximises Fernandes’ creative freedom while ensuring he remains accountable to the team’s defensive responsibilities. "I think we’ve given Bruno the platform to go and perform like all the players," Carrick said in a press conference.
"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. He obviously plays for the team and has big responsibility within that." Carrick continued, praising Fernandes’ work rate when the ball is not in his possession: "He did that ever so well, especially on Saturday, without the ball and the defensive work that he did. He’s got big responsibility, but we trust him.
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 is trust and putting him in a position where we think he can make the biggest difference." Sesko’s endorsement of Fernandes reflects a broader narrative at United: a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned leadership working together to revive the club’s fortunes. The Slovenian’s own development has been accelerated by the mentorship he receives from the captain, and his willingness to absorb tactical advice demonstrates a professional maturity beyond his years. Beyond the immediate accolades, the partnership between Sesko and Fernandes hints at a longer‑term vision for United. If the club can continue to nurture young talent while leveraging the experience of veterans like Fernandes, the pathway back to consistent European competition becomes clearer.
The current season’s progress – a strong league standing, a revitalised attacking unit, and a cohesive dressing‑room atmosphere – suggests that United are laying the foundations for future success. In summary, Benjamin Sesko’s public support for Bruno Fernandes serves as both a vote of confidence for the player’s individual award chances and an affirmation of the positive influence the captain exerts on the squad. As United push toward a top‑five finish and eye potential trophy glory, the synergy between emerging stars and established leaders will be crucial.
Fans can look forward to more compelling performances, more decisive assists, and perhaps, in the near future, a triumphant return to the Champions League stage.