Manchester United’s emerging 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 on the squad. Fernandes, who has been a standout performer throughout the campaign, is widely regarded as a leading candidate for the honour after delivering a season that has been nothing short of spectacular. At 31 years old, the midfield maestro 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 dominance.
Sesko’s own debut season in English football has been closely intertwined with Fernandes’s playmaking. Out of the nine Premier League goals Sesko has netted so far, four have come directly from passes supplied by the captain. The Slovenian striker expressed his appreciation for the mentorship and guidance he receives from the senior player, stating, “I’m also getting a lot of instructions from Bruno. Every single training, after training, sometimes before training – whatever he tells you, just do it, don’t think twice.
I’m really grateful to have this opportunity to be around him.” When pressed on whether he believes Fernandes truly deserves the Player of the Season accolade, Sesko answered unequivocally: “He’s great. He’s my teammate, and of course, he always stands up for his fellow players. Yeah, he should win it.” His endorsement reflects not only personal admiration but also the broader sentiment within the United dressing room that Fernandes’s contributions have been pivotal to the team’s resurgence.
United are edging ever closer to a Champions League return, with a six‑point cushion likely enough to secure a top‑five finish. The club’s recent form has bolstered Sesko’s confidence, and he is convinced that the squad possesses the quality and mentality required to challenge for major trophies. “I think we did great. There are still games left, but we have a fantastic spirit in the team.
I’m learning a lot from the experience – we have great players, great coaching staff. I would love to win some trophies here.
I believe we have the capacity to do that, even if it takes a lot of hard work,” he explained. Interim manager Michael Carrick also weighed in on the secret behind Fernandes’s impressive output ahead of United’s Monday Night Football clash at Old Trafford. Carrick noted that the club has deliberately built a platform that allows Bruno to thrive: “We’ve given Bruno the platform to perform like all the players.
We’re trying to create a structure and a team setup that brings out the best in everyone. There are 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.” Carrick praised Fernandes’s all‑round contribution, emphasizing both his offensive creativity and his defensive work rate: “He obviously plays for the team and carries a big responsibility. He did that exceptionally well on Saturday, both without the ball and in the defensive duties he performed.
He’s a very good player, he sees things, he’s creative, he has a great brain, and he’s a big part of the group and a huge influence.” The manager added that trust is a key factor: “It’s about trusting him, putting him in a position where he can make the biggest difference, given the various qualities he possesses.” Sesko’s admiration for Fernandes extends beyond on‑field tactics; he sees the captain as a role model for professionalism and leadership. The young striker has spoken about how observing Fernandes’s preparation routines, work ethic, and composure under pressure has shaped his own approach to the game. “Watching Bruno, you learn how to handle big moments, how to stay calm when the stakes are high, and how to keep improving day after day,” Sesko said.
The broader context of United’s season adds weight to Sesko’s comments. After a turbulent period that saw managerial changes and inconsistent performances, the club has stabilized under Carrick’s interim stewardship. The team’s recent string of positive results, combined with the emergence of talents like Sesko, has reignited hopes of qualifying for Europe and competing for silverware. In this environment, Fernandes’s role as the creative engine and leader is more crucial than ever, and Sesko’s endorsement underscores the respect he commands among his peers.
As the Premier League season progresses, the race for Player of the Year will likely tighten, with other standout performers also in contention. Nevertheless, Sesko’s belief that Fernandes deserves the accolade reflects a consensus that the Portuguese star’s blend of vision, passing precision, goal contributions, and leadership makes him a deserving candidate.
Whether the award ultimately goes to Fernandes or another player, the mutual admiration between the two teammates highlights the collaborative spirit that Manchester United hopes will propel them back to the summit of English football.