Bruno Fernandes: Lingard makes bold claim about Man United ace

Manchester United secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday, 27 April, in the Premier League. Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko got on the scoresheet to help the Red Devils pick up all three points and improve their chances of a top-four finish.

The Premier League giants are looking ahead to an eventful summer, during which they will also appoint their next permanent manager after parting ways with Ruben Amorim at the turn of this year. The Portuguese head coach was let go after an underwhelming 14-month tenure, with Michael Carrick appointed as caretaker manager until the end of the campaign.

A permanent appointment is expected at the end of this season, although the Premier League giants have enjoyed a new lease of life under the Englishman. United have now picked up nine wins and two draws from 13 games since Carrick’s arrival, and are now third in the league table after 34 games.

With the Red Devils edging closer to bringing Champions League football back to Old Trafford next season, the Englishman is among the frontrunners for the permanent position. Former United forward Jesse Lingard has now explained why Carrick could be a stellar choice for the job.

Lingard backs Carrick for full-time job

Speaking to The BBC, Lingard praised Carrick and insisted that United are on the right track under him. He said: “It can be difficult with different managers coming in, having different ideas, different personnel. But I think they’re really on the right track with Michael.”

“I know him from my United days. I know how he operates. The lads are doing really well under him. He’s got that Manchester United DNA inside of him. He knows the ins and outs of the club.”

The Corinthians forward also spoke fondly about Bruno Fernandes, adding: “He always wanted to see the best of me at United. He’s always been a guy that’s been there, that I can always reach out to.”

Paul Pogba recently claimed that the Portuguese maestro would have won the Ballon d’Or if he was playing for a successful side like Manchester City. When asked his views on the matter, Lingard pointed out that Fernandes deserves to be in the conversation for the coveted prize anyway, stating: “100%. His performances at Manchester United this season have been extraordinary. He has to be up there.”

Bruno Fernandes’ record-breaking season

On Monday, Fernandes picked up his 19th Premier League assist of the season, putting him on the brink of history. United were leading 1-0 from another Casemiro goal when the Portuguese set up Sesko to double the score.

Fernandes has already broken the record for most assists in a Premier League campaign for the Red Devils previously held by David Beckham (15), this season. The 31 year old now has his eyes on Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s record of 20 Premier League assists, and few would bet against him breaking it.

The Portuguese has scored eight goals and set up 20 more in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.

Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Final Thoughts

Fernandes will enter the final year of his contract this summer, but one assumes he has done enough to deserve a new deal. The Portuguese remains the most important piece of the puzzle for United at the moment and they are not ready for life without their talismanic skipper just yet.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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