Bruno Fernandes has delivered another stellar season for Manchester United, earning his third Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in just five seasons.

 Bruno Fernandes has had another outstanding campaign for Manchester United, earning his third Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in five seasons.

Fernandes led by example in his first season as the men’s permanent captain, culminating in lifting the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday after helping United defeat Manchester City in the final at Wembley Stadium. Bruno assisted Kobbie Mainoo’s decisive goal in the 2-1 victory, a fitting end to another statistically impressive season for the Portuguese midfielder.

While Fernandes has acknowledged that numbers aren't everything, he can take pride in his achievements across several categories in 2023/24. With the help of WhoScored.com and the Premier League, we've compiled our favorite stats from the past term, highlighting the all-around nature of the 29-year-old’s game and supporting his selection as our star performer.

Racking Up the Numbers

Bruno's 15 goals and 13 assists across all competitions this season gave him the most direct scoring contributions (28) of any United player in 2023/24. Only Rasmus Hojlund scored more goals than the captain, while the 13 assists earned him United’s creativity crown for the fourth successive campaign.

In the league alone, Bruno led the team with 10 goals and eight assists across 35 starts, the joint-most among our outfield players.

 Leading from the Front

In his first season as Erik ten Hag’s full-time captain, Fernandes consistently stepped up when needed. All 10 of his Premier League goals were either equalisers or go-ahead goals (five of each). He equalised in matches against Chelsea, Liverpool, Bournemouth (twice), and Sheffield United, and put United ahead against Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Fulham, and Everton.

 Playmaking Prowess

As an attacking midfielder, Fernandes excels in creativity. He made more key passes in the Premier League (114) and FA Cup (31) than any other player in those competitions and created six clear-cut scoring chances in the FA Cup, leading the tournament in this category for 2023/24.

Defensive Duties

Despite his attacking role, the United captain also contributed significantly in defense. In the FA Cup, no player made more tackles than Fernandes' 19, from the third-round victory at Wigan to the final win over Man City.

 Here, There, and Everywhere

Fernandes' work rate on the pitch is evident, backed by statistics. Across his 35 league appearances, he covered a massive 390.39 kilometers, more than any other United player.

Bruno Fernandes' remarkable season reflects his versatility and leadership, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure for Manchester United.

Martial Bids Adieu to United Supporters

 

Anthony Martial has bid farewell to Manchester United fans as he prepares to depart the club this summer upon the expiration of his contract.

Signed from Monaco in September 2015, the 28-year-old forward made 317 appearances for the Reds, scoring 90 goals, including a memorable solo effort on his debut against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Martial's first winners' medal came later that season as United lifted the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal. Although the team repeated that success last weekend, the striker couldn't participate in the 2023/24 competition due to injury, with his last game being on December 9 against Bournemouth in the Premier League.

He also won the Carabao Cup twice as a Red and was part of Jose Mourinho’s squad that completed the club's all-time collection of trophies by claiming the Europa League in 2017.

Martial’s best individual season was in 2019/20, when he was the club’s top scorer with 23 goals, earning him the Players’ Player of the Year award.

The Frenchman announced his departure via Instagram on Monday evening, using the post to thank fans for their support over the years.

“Dear Manchester United fans,” he began. “It’s with great emotion that I write to you today to say goodbye.

“After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new page in my career.

“Since I arrived in 2015, I have had the immense honor of wearing this shirt and playing in front of you, the best supporters in the world! You have been unwavering in your support, through the good times and the difficult ones. Your passion and loyalty have been a constant source of motivation for me.

“I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done for me. Your songs, your encouragement, and your love for the club are memories that will remain engraved in my heart forever.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to all my teammates, technical staff, and all the members of the club I have met during my 9 years here. I am proud to have been able to share these experiences with you.

“Manchester United will always be in my heart. This club has left its mark on my career and offered me an incredible opportunity to play in front of you. I'm leaving to take on new challenges, but I'll always be a Red Devil and I'll continue to follow the club's results with passion.

“Thank you again for everything, and see you soon. With all my affection, Anthony Martial.”

Everyone at United thanks Anthony for his service and wishes him well for the future.

Garnacho's spectacular overhead kick clinches Goal of the Season.

 Manchester United's Goal of the Season accolade for the 2023/24 season, sponsored by Tezos, has been claimed by Alejandro Garnacho for his extraordinary overhead kick against Everton.

The shortlist of 10 goals showcased an incredible level of quality, with several strikes deserving of recognition. The voting via ManUtd.com and the United App saw a significant turnout.

However, it came as no surprise that Garnacho's remarkable goal stood out as the clear favorite. His stunning display of skill, executed less than three minutes into United's victory at Goodison Park in November, captured the attention of the football world. Many observers even went as far as suggesting it could be considered the greatest goal in the entire history of the Premier League era.Alejandro's unforgettable moment on Merseyside secured an impressive 74 percent of the total vote share, leaving little doubt about its supremacy among the nominated goals.

Nevertheless, the voting patterns demonstrated strong appreciation for several other remarkable goals.

Kobbie Mainoo's debut senior goal at Old Trafford, a majestic curler at the Stretford End against Liverpool, reminiscent of Federico Macheda's iconic strike against Aston Villa in 2009, claimed the second spot. Kobbie's solo winner at Wolves in February also earned a notable placement in our top five.

Amad's stunning extra-time winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup and Marcus Rashford's powerful strike against Manchester City were also acknowledged for their exceptional quality.Garnacho's victory was undeniable, and it's no surprise given the sheer brilliance of his goal.

The winning moment was set in motion by a lofted cross from Diogo Dalot. However, with all respect to Dalot, the delivery was slightly behind Alejandro, necessitating a moment of sheer improvisation.

Undeterred, Garnacho launched himself into the air and executed a perfect connection with the ball, sending it arcing back over Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and nestling into the top corner of the Gwladys Street End net. It was a truly breathtaking sight.

Instantly, comparisons were drawn with Wayne Rooney's legendary overhead kick against Manchester City in 2011, a goal that was later hailed as the best of the first 20 Premier League seasons.

While Garnacho's strike may lack the broader context and significance of Rooney's, its sheer brilliance ensures it will be celebrated for years to come.

Already, it has clinched the BBC's prestigious Goal of the Season award, and now, it adds Manchester United's own equivalent prize to its collection. The Premier League is yet to announce its winner, but Alejandro surely stands a strong chance there too.

To borrow a quote from the late, great commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme, used to describe a Bobby Charlton wonder goal, Garnacho's effort was "good enough to win the league, the cup, the Charity Shield, the World Cup, and even the Grand National!"

Congratulations, Alejandro, and a big thank you to everyone who voted.

Fernandez's move to Benfica becomes permanent.

 

Alvaro Fernandez has signed a long-term contract with the prestigious Portuguese club, Benfica.

The Eagles have chosen to make the player's transfer permanent after he completed the second half of the season on loan at Estadio da Luz.

During his loan stint, Fernandez played 16 matches and scored once for Benfica. This contributed to Roger Schmidt's team securing the second position in the Primeira Liga, just behind Sporting Club of Lisbon. Additionally, the 21-year-old also featured for Granada in the 2023/24 season, appearing in 14 matches for the La Liga side, which had Facundo Pellistri in their squad from January onwards.

Previously, Alvaro received the Young Player of the Year award from Preston North End last season, showcasing his potential during his time with the Deepdale club. Prior to that, he was recognized with the Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year award in the 2021/22 season after joining from Real Madrid in 2020.

Fernandez had been included in several first-team squads towards the end of the mentioned term and was also named on the substitutes' bench by Erik ten Hag for a home match against Nottingham Forest this season.

Everyone associated with United extends their best wishes to Alvaro for his future endeavors and will continue to monitor his progress closely.

Manchester United's Triumphant 13th FA Cup Victory: A Journey of Resilience and Unity

 

The triumphant journey of Manchester United in the FA Cup final against Manchester City unfolded with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo in the initial half, culminating in a 2-1 victory, marking the club's 13th FA Cup triumph.

Erik, bathed in the radiant sunlight of Wembley, exuded sheer delight at the final whistle, joining the jubilant squad in proudly parading the coveted trophy before the faithful supporters. In the aftermath of this victorious moment, he articulated the significance of the win, emphasizing the team's resilience and determination to prove themselves after enduring a challenging season marred by setbacks and injuries.

Reflecting on the campaign marred by injuries, Erik lamented the lack of availability of key players, attributing the sporadic performance on the field to the necessity of making compromises due to the absence of a full squad. Despite the hurdles, Erik reiterated the paramount importance of clinching silverware, underscoring the team's unwavering focus on winning trophies while aspiring to exhibit exhilarating, attacking football.

Amidst the accolades, Erik singled out young talent Kobbie Mainoo for special praise, acknowledging his remarkable contribution despite facing setbacks early in the season. He cautioned against undue pressure on young players, advocating for a balanced approach to nurturing their development.

Furthermore, Erik extended his pride and gratitude to everyone associated with the club, from players and staff to the steadfast supporters whose unwavering backing remained steadfast throughout the season, even during periods of adversity.

Inside the sanctum of the dressing room, Erik revealed the team's bonding rituals, highlighting the emotional resonance of specially curated videos and motivational speeches that galvanized the players, fostering a sense of unity and determination essential for their success on the pitch.

Bruno Fernandes pledged to continue striving for additional silverware after securing his inaugural trophy as captain of Manchester United following their triumph in the FA Cup final.

Our captain led us onto the Wembley turf for the second consecutive year, marking a rematch of the 2023 final against Manchester City. In a display of sheer determination, he orchestrated the decisive goal for Kobbie Mainoo, leaving nothing behind as he poured his heart out on the field to secure the victory.

Hours later, on social media, Bruno Fernandes expressed his sheer joy in delivering a long-awaited trophy for our devoted fans. "What an exemplary team effort," he remarked. "This epitomizes the essence of Manchester United, and it's a legacy we are committed to upholding. This triumph is dedicated to you, Reds."

On Instagram, Alejandro Garnacho, the scorer of our opening goal in the final, harked back to his promise to the fans following last season's heartbreak at Wembley. "A year ago, I made a vow to bring this trophy home," he reflected.

Raphael Varane, bidding farewell to his tenure in a United jersey, couldn't contain his elation. "What an unforgettable day, what an incredible club!!!" he exclaimed.

Andre Onana, concluding his debut season with United by clinching a trophy, expressed gratitude towards the fans inside Wembley for their unwavering support. "This triumph is dedicated to you, REDS. Your passion fueled our determination to bring the FA Cup where it rightfully belongs," he acknowledged.

Former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who also served as a mentor to Onana during their time together at Ajax, congratulated him in the comments section: "Heartiest congratulations, Andre."

Marcus Rashford, alongside a poignant image capturing tears streaming down his face, shared his profound sentiment towards Manchester United: "To those wondering what Man Utd means to me!"

"We are Manchester United, and our resolve knows no bounds," declared Harry Maguire on Instagram.

Diogo Dalot offered words of encouragement to the fans, urging them to relish the moment of joy. "Embrace this moment, Reds. You've earned this respite! We'll return, ready to endure and conquer, TOGETHER."

Sofyan Amrabat, a towering presence on the Wembley pitch, couldn't contain his jubilation. "What an indescribable feeling to lift the FA Cup with this illustrious football club! There's no greater sensation! Come on, you Reds!" he celebrated.

"A lad with a dream," captioned Rasmus Hojlund alongside a picture of himself with the FA Cup.

In another post, the Danish striker playfully mocked a certain band associated with Manchester City: "Given that Manchester is unequivocally red, here's our new anthem," he quipped, standing alongside the trophy alongside Garnacho, Amad, and Kobbie Mainoo.

 Enjoying this video? Click the links to watch more of my content and see more of my videos. https://bit.ly/4bA36n1