Manchester United's new signing Benjamin Sesko has openly championed his teammate Bruno Fernandes as a leading candidate for the Premier League Player of the Year honour, while also highlighting the profound impact the Portuguese playmaker has on the squad. Sesko, who arrived from Slovenia this season and quickly made his mark as a forward, said he believes Fernandes deserves the accolade after a campaign that has been nothing short of spectacular for the Red Devils. Fernandes, now 31, sits among the frontrunners for the award after delivering an extraordinary season for United. He has already provided 18 assists in the Premier League, a tally that places him just two contributions shy of the all‑time single‑season record set in 1992.
Those numbers underline his ability to create chances for his teammates on a regular basis, and they have not gone unnoticed by his peers. Sesko's own statistics illustrate the direct link between the two players. In his debut Premier League season, the Slovenian striker has found the net nine times, and four of those goals were set up by Fernandes.
The young forward expressed sincere gratitude for the mentorship and guidance he receives from the captain, noting that the relationship goes beyond the occasional pass. "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 indeed capture the Player of the Season prize, Sesko was unequivocal: "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 return to the Champions League, with six points likely enough to secure a top‑five finish. The club’s resurgence has infused the squad with confidence, and Sesko feels the team now possesses the quality and mentality to chase 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," he said.
"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." 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 system that allows the Portuguese midfielder the freedom to operate in attacking zones while still contributing defensively. "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 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 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.
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. So a lot of it is trust and trying to put him in a position where we think he can make the biggest difference, really, about the various qualities that he’s got." The admiration from both a young striker and the interim manager underscores how integral Fernandes has become to United’s revival. His vision, passing range, and willingness to track back have transformed the team’s attacking rhythm while also providing a defensive shield that many clubs lack. Beyond the numbers, Fernandes' leadership on and off the pitch has been cited as a catalyst for the squad’s improved cohesion.
Teammates frequently mention his willingness to give direct feedback, his calm demeanor during high‑pressure moments, and his habit of staying after training to offer personalized advice. For a newcomer like Sesko, those traits are invaluable as he adapts to the rigors of English football. The midfielder’s statistical output this season—three goals and nine assists since Carrick’s return—mirrors his all‑round contribution. While his goal tally may not be eye‑catching, his ability to unlock defences with incisive passes, set‑piece delivery, and late runs into the box makes him a constant threat.
Fans and pundits alike have noted that United’s recent form, which has seen them climb the league table and keep pace with the traditional top‑six clubs, owes a great deal to Fernandes’ influence. His knack for producing moments of magic—whether a pinpoint through‑ball, a long‑range strike, or a crucial defensive interception—has re‑energised a side that had struggled for identity in recent years. Looking ahead, Sesko believes the team’s ambition is realistic.
"We have the talent, we have the coaching staff, and we have the right mentality," he said. "If we keep working hard and stay focused, there’s no reason we can’t win trophies." In summary, Benjamin Sesko’s endorsement of Bruno Fernandes reflects a broader consensus within Manchester United: the Portuguese midfielder’s blend of creativity, work ethic, and leadership makes him a deserving contender for the Premier League Player of the Year award and a pivotal figure in United’s quest to reclaim their status among England’s elite clubs.