Bruno Fernandes recently won the Premier League Player of the Month award. He is the first Manchester United player to do so in over a year, and it's hardly surprising considering the individual impact he's had in a red jersey.
Acting as the Man United captain, Bruno Fernandes has been leading by example in more ways than one. Not only has he been in and amongst the goals, but the Portugal international has been doing a remarkable job off the ball too. Being a creative midfielder is all well and good, but what gets the most appreciation from fans is when a midfielder fights tirelessly to win back the ball.
Results aren't dictated by possession statistics, but possession is the closest attribute a team can get to dictating the result. After all, only a few times have games been won while being on the back foot, at least to a consistent degree.
Thankfully for Man United fans, the captain has ensured that Man United maximise their time on the ball. Indeed, Bruno Fernandes has done a pretty remarkable job at winning back the ball when his side are out of possession.
Bruno Fernandes is the definition of "complete midfielder"
According to Statman Dave on X (formerly Twitter), Bruno Fernandes has won back possession more times than any other Premier League player, at a resounding 182 times. When on the ball, Fernandes has also had a great impact, creating the most chances in the Premier League (75)
Say what you want about Bruno Fernandes, nobody can say that he hasn't stepped up tenfold this season. He has not only worn the material captain's armband but the metaphorical armband too. If every other player was even halfway towards his standard, United would be in a frightening position this season.
Man United face a difficult hat trick of fixtures over the next week. Within seven days, United faces Lyon (home and away) and Newcastle (away). It will be a test of Bruno Fernandes' ability to rally his troops for this tough handful of fixtures, but now, he only needs to focus on transcending his brilliance downwards.
Of course, there is only an extent to which Fernandes can impact his teammates' performances. As a playmaker and captain, he is naturally more excelled than others at bringing the best out of everyone else.