Premier League Award Race: Can Bruno Fernandes Challenge Mohamed Salah?
Mohamed Salah is currently the leading contender for the PFA Player of the Year award this season, but Bacary Sagna suggests a Manchester United player could challenge for the accolade. Despite Manchester United’s position at 13th in the Premier League after 29 games, former player Sagna believes Bruno Fernandes has the quality to rival Liverpool’s star.
Salah’s Strong Season
Liverpool’s Egyptian forward, Mohamed Salah, whose contract expires soon, is widely considered the frontrunner for the prestigious PFA Player of the Year trophy. His impressive tally of 27 goals and 17 assists in the Premier League has been instrumental in Liverpool’s strong performance in the English top division this term.
Manchester United’s Struggles
In contrast to Liverpool’s success under their new manager Arne Slot in the 2024-25 season, Manchester United have endured a disappointing campaign. Neither Erik ten Hag nor Ruben Amorim has managed to reverse the fortunes of the Red Devils, who currently sit 13th in the league standings, having suffered 12 defeats and secured only 10 victories in their 29 league matches.
Sagna Backs Fernandes for PFA Award
Despite Manchester United’s underwhelming form, Bacary Sagna has identified a player within their ranks who possesses the talent to compete with Liverpool’s Salah for individual honours. Sagna has proposed that Bruno Fernandes could be a contender for English football’s most esteemed individual recognition.
‘Bruno Fernandes has a chance to win PFA player of the season – he’s been great,’ Sagna stated in an interview with Paddy Power.
Fernandes’ Resilience and Leadership
Sagna acknowledged the criticism Fernandes faced during challenging periods for Manchester United but commended his recent improvements. ‘He had a lot of stick when things weren’t really going well for him, but I must give him some credit now because he’s really stepped up,’ Sagna noted.
‘Maybe he needed more time to adjust, but he’s found his place. He embodies the role of captain for good reason, displaying a strong personality and uplifting the team’s spirit.’
Recognising Fernandes’ Quality
Sagna highlighted Fernandes’ prior reputation, ‘We knew about his quality in Portugal, and people were expecting him to step up when he joined Manchester United – he’s finally answering those questions.’
‘I’m happy for him personally, but it’s also great for the team – Manchester United is under pressure and it’s a period where they need players to shine.’
‘Expectations are high when you wear the United shirt, and it’s a significant responsibility. Playing for United, a club with demanding fans, requires delivering top performances. It’s pleasing to witness him performing consistently and showcasing his abilities,’ Sagna concluded.
Fernandes’ Impact Amidst United’s Difficult Season
While Manchester United’s season may be forgettable for the club overall, Bruno Fernandes has consistently been a key figure in rescuing his team in numerous instances this season.
His contribution of eight goals and nine assists in the league has been vital in mitigating what could have been an even more concerning campaign, particularly in recent weeks.
Recent Form and Penalty Record
In his last four appearances, Fernandes has contributed significantly with three goals and three assists for Amorim’s team. Without these contributions, the team would have secured only one point instead of the eight points they ultimately gained.
Beyond his leadership on the field, Fernandes is also Manchester United’s primary penalty taker. He has now converted more penalties than any other Manchester United player in history.
Historical Penalty Tally
The Portuguese midfielder has solidified his place in Manchester United’s history books by successfully converting 36 out of his initial 40 penalty attempts for the club.
No other player has yet reached the 30-penalty mark for United, with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney ranking second and third with 28 and 27 penalties respectively.
Fernandes’ Penalty Technique and Inspiration
Fernandes exhibits remarkable composure from the penalty spot. It is often speculated that this composure is partly influenced by Cristiano Ronaldo – a player renowned for his penalty prowess, having scored 173 penalties out of 204 attempts in his professional career and a former teammate of Fernandes at both club and international levels.
Quagliarella’s Influence on Penalty Skills
However, Fernandes recently credited former Sampdoria forward Fabio Quagliarella as a key influence in refining his ability to anticipate goalkeepers’ movements during penalties.
In an interview with Inside United, Fernandes elaborated, ‘Many penalty takers have a preferred side and consistently aim for it. They pre-select their target, focus on power, and still score. This approach is something I learned from Quagliarella during my time at Sampdoria.’