We are not talking about Bruno...". That is a line from the famous animated film Encanto. But now, it has a completely different meaning for Manchester United fans. Because as long as Bruno Fernandes' new record exists, people will keep mentioning him.
The captain of Man United has just been voted Player of the Season by the Football and Premier League Journalists Association, after a campaign that can be considered the peak of his career at Old Trafford.
Fernandes also officially entered Premier League history when he became the player with the most assists in a season - breaking Thierry Henry's 23-year record, and surpassing the milestone Kevin De Bruyne equalized in 2020.
But what created that special season for Bruno Fernandes?
Bruno Fernandes - Man United's "magician
Fernandes is like a magician on the pitch. Throughout the season, he creates moments that seem to only exist in imagination.
One of the most impressive plays was the assist for Benjamin Sesko to score the decisive goal against Fulham. In the 90+4 minute, Fernandes received the ball on the right wing, turned over Calvin Bassey and then launched a one-touch pass while the ball was still rolling.
If the ball had gone off course by only a few centimeters, Joachim Andersen could have cut it. But in a falling position under pressure, Fernandes still put the ball perfectly into Sesko's feet for this striker to finish into a goal.
Some people think that the number of set pieces contributes significantly to Fernandes' assist statistics, but just looking back at the big moments of the season, all doubts about his class are almost dispelled.
That was an immediate volley pass for Harry Maguire to score the decisive goal at Anfield, helping Man United win their first victory here after nearly a decade. Or an assist for Bryan Mbeumo to score against Manchester City in the first match Michael Carrick led the team - a match where Thierry Henry called him by the nickname "Braino-Fernandes".
When Bruno Fernandes does not disappear
Magicians are often famous for their ability to "disappear" unexpectedly. But Bruno Fernandes is the opposite.
If his form declined after Ruben Amorim left the team in January, that is completely understandable. Fernandes has a very close relationship with Amorim and the coaching staff, and that departure will certainly have a significant impact on him.
Right at that time, Fernandes was injured. When he returned, Man United decided to give Carrick the right to play until the end of the season. And that was the person Fernandes respected very much.
When Amorim left, Fernandes only had 7 assists. But since Carrick took over and brought him back to his preferred number 10 position, the Man United captain's form has exploded more powerfully than ever.
Carrick and Fernandes have a special connection, which is easily recognizable on the training ground. That trust helps Bruno stabilize his spirit after a turbulent summer and a difficult first half of the season.
Instead of disappearing, Man United's "wizard" shined right at the time the team needed him most.
A true leader
Fernandes is always an energetic player on the field, ready to argue with teammates, opponents or even referees. If I had to use one word to describe Fernandes, it would probably be competitiveness.
Even outside the pitch, Fernandes is also famous for being competitive. He often plays as a playmaker in Werewolf games with his teammates and is considered the "master" of Uno at Carrington. But more importantly is the example he sets for those around him.
Every time an academy player goes to practice with the first team for the first time, Fernandes always proactively approaches, talks and helps them feel more comfortable. Two young talents Jim Thwaites and Dan Armer once shared that the Man United captain often encourages and jokes to reduce pressure on young players.
