What is there to say about Bruno Fernandes that hasn’t already been said? More goals (28) than any other Premier League player since his Manchester United debut. The assists to go with them. A tireless work rate. Near flawless accuracy from 12 yards that riles up opposition fans and managers alike. The Portuguese Magnfico has truly been the total package.
The 26-year-old has been a ruthless output machine that has helped transform Manchester United from a frustratingly inconsistent team to genuine title challengers in the space of a year. He has been one of the best midfielders in the world since his arrival, and long may that continue.
There’s quite a few big Bruno moments to choose from, and everybody is going to have their own favourite.
We’ve taken the liberty of highlighting five of the best Bruno Fernandes moments in his first year as a Manchester United player:
Winner vs Liverpool
One of Bruno’s greatest moments might be one of the most recent, but it encapsulates everything that makes the midfielder so special.
After being told he wouldn’t start the FA Cup tie at home to Liverpool, the Portuguese superstar spent extra time in training practising free kicks. Reminds us of another Portuguese superstar to be honest!
Lo and behold, with the game tied at 2-2, United get a free kick on the edge of the Liverpool box. Of course Bruno was on hand to step up and sweep the ball into the bottom corner past a despairing Allison, winning the game for the Red Devils.
It’s always sweet to beat Liverpool, but Fernandes scoring the winner and knocking them out of the FA Cup made it all the sweeter.
Pep Talk
The last game at Old Trafford which had fans in attendance was one to remember. Fernandes gave supporters a taste of what he had to offer in the biggest of games. His assist for Martial’s goal was typical for him as a player; inventive, off the cuff and bold.
His most memorable moment in the derby would come later on however. After an exchange of words with Pep Guardiola on the touchline, the number 18 told Guardiola to shush.
Speaking about the incident later in a Sky Sports interview and as cited by FourFourTwo, Fernandes said:
"“At that moment, the words he said made me mad. I have respect for Pep and what he did for football. But he didn’t respect me, so he didn’t deserve my respect at that moment.”"
Bruno might have not done his talking with his feet here but it was certainly one that fans will remember for years to come.