After a challenging few years after the departure of manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United is back where they should be, challenging for the top places in the EPL. It’s said about United that no individual is bigger than the club – and while this is true, each generation of players has its superstars.

Many pundits and supporters believe that Portuguese midfield sensation Bruno Fernandes might be the cream of the crop for the club in 2021. Let’s take a look.

Early life and career
Born on September 8th, 1994 in Maia, Portugal, Bruno Fernandes started his career at the Italian Serie B club Novara in 2012. His talent was obvious, and he was snapped up by Serie A side Udinese the following season. After making 86 appearances with 10 goals for the club he spent a brief spell at Sampdoria in the 2016/17 season before leaving Italy to sign with Sporting CP, better known as Sporting Lisbon, for €8.5 million. He captained the side, and during his spell, was named Primeira Liga Player of the Year twice in succession, as well as two Taças da Liga (the Portuguese cup competition).

On 15th May 2018, he was among the CP players injured after an attack by 50 fans on the club’s training ground, after the side failed to qualify for the Champions League. Nevertheless, he became a fan favourite, scoring 16 goals in his first season alone.

Signing for Man Utd
On 29th January 2020, Fernandes signed for Man Utd for a fee reportedly worth up to €80 million (£67.6 million), following in the footsteps of his compatriot and hero Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said of the move: “We have been tracking Bruno for many months and everyone here has been tremendously impressed with all his attributes and what he will bring to this team.” The contract is set to run for 5 and a half years, with an extension option. Fernandes said: “For me to now play for Manchester United feels incredible, I have worked hard to get to this moment and I can promise the fans that I will give everything for the badge to help bring us more success and trophies.”

Man Utd squad 2021
Fernandes joins a strengthened squad including such players as Juan Mata, Paul Pogba, and Marcus Rashford as Utd aims to build on the slow but steady progress they have made in the last two seasons under Solskjaer.

He made an immediate impact, with multiple assists and a number of goals, including 11 from the penalty spot, leading to fans dubbing him ‘Penandes’. He has proved to be a vital part of the team, right at the heart of the young squad and acting as a crucial link between defence and attack. Able to create attacks and keep the back solid if need be he continues to impress as we move into 2021.

Performances of such quality only heighten the club’s presence both at home and abroad, getting millions of new fans around the world betting to bet on the team. And with squads like Man United, you get quite the adrenaline rush when they score. No wonder then, that we see many sportsbooks and football betting sites around the world keeping up to cover every league in the cradle of football – from UEFA Championship to English Premier League, and La Liga, making sure to follow boys like The Red Devils. You never know when another scorer like Bruno will appear.

Skills and accolades
Fernandes signed for Man Utd at the age of 26, usually when an outfield player hits their peak in terms of fitness, strength, experience, and intelligence. And alongside his formidable skills, he has demonstrated all of those with aplomb since joining United.

His ability to conjure magical individual performances is laudable, but it’s the way he fuses the team together that really stands out. He’s become a lynchpin in midfield, and when he plays it seems inevitable that he will directly affect the outcome of the game.

All this serves to make him one of the most exciting and highly rated players in European football. Some, however, would go even further in their praise. Ex-Liverpool player and fan favourite Dirk Kuyt says there are ‘no players better than Bruno Fernandes in world football’ at the moment. With his relatively young age, if Fernandes stays injury-free, he could form the heart of the Man Utd team for years to come.

Bruno Fernandes is among the most talented and versatile players in the game today. If he goes on as he started, he’ll play a crucial role in taking Man Utd back to the top of the EPL.