Bruno Fernandes wowed by Man United outcast who actually makes him a ‘better player’
Manchester United are preparing to take on Brighton in the Premier League, and captain Bruno Fernandes has spoken fondly of one teammate.
Fernandes showcased his class during Man United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool last weekend by superbly assisting Harry Maguire’s late winner.
The 31-year-old may have been dropped into a deeper role by Ruben Amorim this term, but his influence on matches is second to none.
In eight Premier League matches, the Portuguese maestro has scored twice and assisted once, while averaging 2.8 key passes per game.
That is why fans were delighted when Fernandes snubbed a move to Al Hilal to fulfil his dreams with Manchester United.
Bruno Fernandes praises Kobbie Mainoo
Whilst Fernandes has a £56million release clause in his United contract, it seems unlikely he will depart next summer, as he continues to relish his role as captain.
The midfield metronome is a chief creator on the pitch and a voice of reason in the dressing room, someone who sets the standard in every aspect of his game.
| Bruno Fernandes 2025/26 Premier League stats |
| 8 appearances |
| 2 goals |
| 1 assist |
| 2.8 key passes per game |
| 2 big chances created |
| 2.3 shots per game |
| 6 balls recovered per game |
Fernandes also often praises his teammates, including Man United youngster Kobbie Mainoo, admitting the Englishman makes him a ‘better player’ every time he features.
“I want to have the best competition to play in my position. I don’t think Kobbie is competition because he is very capable of doing what I can do in a different way,” he said via BBC Sport.
“If you look at the numbers, you might say Bruno is more capable of scoring goals and Kobbie is more capable of taking people on. We’re different as players, but we still can give very good things to the team.
“Kobbie is very capable of playing high-level football. He makes me a better player.”
After an impressive 2024/25 campaign, Mainoo has been frozen out by Amorim this term, with the 20-year-old only starting one game across all competitions, their Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.
What Wes Brown said about Mainoo
Former defender Wes Brown thinks something is going on behind the scenes at Man United, and that is the reason why Mainoo hasn’t played as much.
“Kobbie will want to play. There is something going on where he is not getting starts, not getting game time,” Brown said.
“But Kobbie is a very talented young player and he needs to play football at his age. And internationally as well. So he will be very disappointed with how the season has gone.“
Amorim has regularly said Mainoo needs to improve parts of his game to become a regular starter at Old Trafford, with the Portuguese preferring Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte ahead of him.
Mainoo has also been linked with a January loan move, and that could be the best option for both parties as he needs to play a lot of football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.