Manchester United forward 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 had on his own development at the club. Fernandes is widely regarded as one of the frontrunners for the honour after delivering a spectacular season for the Red Devils. The 31‑year‑old midfielder has already supplied 18 assists in the league, a tally that sits just two assists shy of the all‑time single‑season record in the top flight since the 1992‑93 campaign. Those numbers underscore his creativity, vision and consistency, qualities that have helped United climb the table and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Sesko, who is enjoying his first full season in England after arriving from Slovenia, has benefited directly from Fernandes’ playmaking. Four of the nine league goals Sesko has scored so far were set up by the Portuguese star, illustrating the clear link between the two players. The young striker expressed his gratitude for the chance to learn from such an experienced leader.
"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 should win 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 edging ever closer to a top‑five finish that would secure a return to the Champions League, with as few as six points likely enough to clinch that coveted spot. The club’s resurgence has injected a fresh wave of confidence throughout the squad, and Sesko is convinced that the team possesses the quality and mentality 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," Sesko said. "I would really like to achieve some trophies here.
I think there’s something that 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." Interim manager Michael Carrick also weighed in on the secret behind Fernandes’ form ahead of United’s Monday Night Football clash at Old Trafford. Carrick explained that the club has deliberately built a structure that allows creative players like Fernandes to thrive.
"I think we’ve given Bruno the platform to go and perform like all the players," Carrick said during his press conference. "We’re trying to create the 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 continued, "He obviously plays for the team and has a huge responsibility. He did that ever so well, especially on Saturday, without the ball and the defensive work he did.
He’s got big responsibility, but we trust him. He’s a very good player, he sees things, he’s creative, he has a really good brain, and he’s a big part of the group as well, a big influence. So a lot of it is trust and putting him in a position where he can make the biggest difference with the qualities he’s got." Sesko’s admiration for Fernandes goes beyond on‑field assistance. He appreciates the leadership qualities the captain displays, from tactical guidance to personal mentorship.
The young forward notes that Fernandes often offers tactical advice during training sessions, helping him understand positioning, movement off the ball, and how to exploit defensive weaknesses. "Every time I’m on the pitch, I can hear Bruno’s instructions and I try to apply them immediately. It’s like having a personal coach beside you," Sesko explained. "His calmness under pressure, his ability to read the game, and his willingness to help younger players makes a huge difference for us all." The relationship between the two players reflects a broader cultural shift at Manchester United, where senior figures are encouraged to mentor emerging talent.
This approach aims to blend the club’s storied history with a modern, collaborative ethos that values both experience and youthful energy. Beyond the immediate season, Sesko believes that the foundations being laid now will pay dividends in the years to come. He envisions United not only returning to the Champions League but also challenging for the Premier League title and domestic cups.
"We have the talent, the coaching staff, and the mentality to go far," he said. "If we keep working hard, stay united, and trust each other – especially leaders like Bruno – there’s no reason we can’t bring silverware back to Old Trafford." In summary, Benjamin Sesko’s endorsement of Bruno Fernandes underscores the Portuguese midfielder’s pivotal role in United’s resurgence. Fernandes’ record‑breaking assists, his leadership on and off the field, and the trust placed in him by both the manager and his teammates make him a strong candidate for Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, the young striker’s confidence and ambition signal a bright future for both himself and the club as they strive to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.