Manchester United’s rising forward Benjamin Sesko has publicly thrown his full support behind teammate Bruno Fernandes in the race for the Premier League Player of the Year trophy, while also highlighting the profound impact the Portuguese captain has on the squad. Fernandes, who has already emerged as one of the clear front‑runners for the accolade after a spectacular season, recorded 18 assists in the league – just two shy of the all‑time single‑season record that has stood since the 1992‑93 campaign.
Such numbers underscore his creative dominance and justify the admiration he receives from his peers. Sesko, who is enjoying his first full season in English football, pointed out that four of his nine Premier League goals have come directly from Fernandes’s precise passing.
The young striker expressed his gratitude for the chance to learn alongside a player of such calibre, saying, "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. 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 unequivocally: "He’s great.
He’s my teammate. And of course, always stand up for my teammates, yeah, he should win it." His endorsement reflects not only personal respect but also the broader sentiment within the United dressing room, where many feel Fernandes’s contributions have been pivotal to the club’s resurgence. United are currently edging closer to a long‑awaited return to the Champions League, with a six‑point cushion likely sufficient to secure a top‑five finish. The club’s recent form has infused the squad with confidence, and Sesko believes the team possesses the quality and mindset needed to chase major silverware.
He remarked, "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 that we just can’t forget in life. And of course, we need to work a lot for it, but I believe we have the capacity to do that." The interim manager, former United captain Michael Carrick, also spoke about the environment that has allowed Fernandes to flourish. Ahead of a Monday Night Football clash at Old Trafford, Carrick explained that the club has deliberately built a structure that gives creative players the freedom to express themselves. He said, "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 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." Carrick continued, emphasizing Fernandes’s all‑round contribution: "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. So he’s got big responsibility, but trusting him, trusting him, you know, 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.
A lot of it is trust and putting him in a position where we think he can make the biggest difference, really, because of the various qualities he’s got." Sesko’s admiration for Fernandes extends beyond on‑field tactics. He values the mentorship and the daily guidance that the captain provides, describing how every session – from pre‑training briefings to post‑match debriefs – is an opportunity to absorb knowledge. This mentorship culture is part of a broader shift at United, where younger players are being integrated into a framework that balances experience with youthful energy. The striker’s comments also highlight a growing confidence among United’s newer signings.
Having arrived from Slovenia, Sesko has adapted quickly, and his partnership with Fernandes is already bearing fruit. Their combined efforts have contributed to United’s improved attacking statistics, with the team now averaging more chances per game than in previous seasons. Looking ahead, Sesko is realistic yet optimistic.
He acknowledges that there are still matches to play and challenges to overcome, but he believes the squad’s spirit and the tactical freedom granted to key players like Fernandes will be decisive in the title chase and in securing a coveted Champions League spot. "We have a great spirit in the team," he reiterated, "and I’m learning a lot from the experience. I would like to really achieve some trophies here. I think we have the capacity to do that." In summary, Benjamin Sesko’s endorsement of Bruno Fernandes serves as a testament to the captain’s influence on and off the pitch.
It also reflects United’s renewed ambition under an interim coaching team that is keen to nurture talent, foster creativity, and restore the club’s status among Europe’s elite. Whether Fernandes ultimately lifts the Player of the Year award or not, his impact on his teammates—especially emerging stars like Sesko—remains undeniable, and it could well be the catalyst that drives Manchester United back to the summit of English football.