Manchester United will finally have the best attacking midfielder in the world leading them next season, as Bruno Fernandes continues to shine on the global stage. The Portuguese playmaker has been carrying the club since his £47million arrival in 2020, and now he is being recognized as the undisputed top player in his position.
Roy Keane's High Praise
Speaking during Portugal's World Cup match against Uzbekistan, former United captain Roy Keane named Fernandes as the number one midfielder in the world. "The best player in the world in these positions, I'm talking about Bruno here. You give him that time and space, his decision making, the weight, the pace of the pass. He is by far the best player in the world in that position. We've seen him do it for United constantly, there was no doubt he was going to pick the right pass. Ronaldo's made a good run and look," Keane said.
Fernandes' Record-Breaking Season
Fernandes has earned the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award four times and has made 327 appearances for United, contributing 215 goals and assists. He recently broke the record for the most assists in a single Premier League season with 21. Despite only winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup domestically, he has two Nations League titles with Portugal and is pushing for a World Cup triumph.
First Undisputed Star Since Ronaldo
This marks the first time since Cristiano Ronaldo left United in 2009 that the club can claim to have the best player in the world in his position. Ronaldo, during his first stint at Old Trafford, won the Ballon d'Or, three Premier League titles, and a Champions League, establishing himself as one of the greatest ever.
Other United stars have also claimed to be the best in their positions. Wayne Rooney once said he believed he was the best striker in the world at Euro 2004. "I was there at 18, thinking to myself I was the best player in the world but there was no one better than me and I believe at that time I was," Rooney said in 2022. He also called David de Gea the best goalkeeper in the world in 2014. However, both had strong competition: Rooney was behind Messi and Ronaldo, while Manuel Neuer arguably surpassed De Gea.
Fernandes' Future at United
Fernandes has reportedly told the club and teammates he will stay at Old Trafford this summer, despite links to the Saudi Pro League. He considered a move to Al-Hilal last year, with agent Miguel Pinho in talks over a £100million transfer, but remained and had a record-breaking season under Michael Carrick. With Carrick now permanently signed and reinforcements planned, Fernandes could cement his legacy at United.
