Despite being Manchester United’s ultimate best player over the best few years, Bruno Fernandes often struggled to receive the sort of plaudits that lesser players enjoy.
Unfortunately for the Portuguese, he doesn’t have David Beckham’s looks, Eric Cantona’s charisma or Roy Keane’s ferocious yet beloved personality. So despite being a darn good footballer, it just feels as if this was never quite enough for the 30-year-old who has often been under scrutiny, especially after inheriting the captain’s armband from Harry Maguire in 2023.
For instance, the aforementioned Keane could argue all day why Fernandes isn’t the profile to serve as Man Utd captain. Coming from a Red legend and one of the club’s most recognisable captains of all time, one could only imagine the devastating effect these claims had left on the player’s psyche.
The bizarre part is that United have 99 problems at the very least, but Bruno is certainly not one. In fact, many fans would agree that if there’s one player who deserves to don the famous Red jersey from this disappointing bunch of players, then it has to be the Portugal international.
But after failing to earn the credits he deserves, the midfielder took his game up a notch in recent weeks, asserting goal-scoring duties as well – which has been a timely addition amidst Rasmus Holjund’s shocking drought.
Ahead of Man Utd’s big clash against Arsenal, the legendary David Seaman curiously predicted a goal from Fernandes on the Seaman Says Podcast , sponsored by Betway. The former Gunners goalkeepers’ predictions were proven on point, with the playmaker opening the scoring on the stroke of halftime with a sensational freekick.
Seaman obviously knows a thing or two about football, and his opinion is always worth a listen, especially for punters who enjoy placing bets on Premier League clashes. Bettors who took the former goalkeeper’s prediction on Fernandes to heart were lucratively rewarded on Betway.
But this also goes to show just how highly-esteemed the playmaker has become amongst fans and pundits alike.
David Seaman envisioned Bruno Fernandes scoring against Arsenal
Seaman’s fair assessment makes you wonder why the current skipper hasn’t yet earned the blessing of his predecessor, Keane. After all, one would have expected him to be showered with love and support from Man Utd legends before earning the admiration of other clubs’ icons.
And if the fabulous strike against Arsenal wasn’t enough, then how about a hattrick against Real Sociedad to book the club’s place in the Europa League quarter-finals.
According to Transfermakt, Bruno now has 15 goals and 13 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions this season, which are astonishing stats for a midfielder, especially one who’s been deployed in a slightly deeper role as of late under Ruben Amorim.
Hence, despite all the needless debate regarding his suitability for the captain’s role, the former Udinese man continues to prove naysayers wrong almost every time he steps up on the pitch.
So kudos to Fernandes, a man who has only been given a terrific talent, but had to work extremely hard for everything else he earned, including respect and appreciation of fans and peers.
