Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s captain, wants the focus to shift from individual achievements to team success and positive news about the club. Despite his contributions, Fernandes prioritizes collective triumph, emphasizing defensive solidity and unity. With new attacking talents arriving, Fernandes aims to inspire a team-wide commitment to regaining possession and thwarting opposition attacks, fostering a culture of togetherness for Manchester United’s return to the top of football.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has expressed a clear desire for a change in narrative surrounding the club. Speaking ahead of the new season, Fernandes stated his hope that the spotlight would shift from individual accolades to the collective success and positive stories emerging from within the Manchester United camp. The Portuguese midfielder, known for his influential performances and significant contributions since joining the Red Devils, believes that team-oriented coverage is crucial for fostering a winning mentality and restoring the club's former glory.
"I hope you'll hear less about Bruno this year, but a lot more about United," Fernandes told ESPN Brasil. "That's my main objective because my name being spoken, let's say vaguely alone, It doesn't fill me with pride or anything."
Fernandes' sentiment reflects a broader ambition to see Manchester United return to the pinnacle of English and European football. Despite his personal achievements, including 19 goals and 18 assists across all competitions last season, Fernandes acknowledges that individual statistics pale in comparison to the collective triumph of the team. The Red Devils endured a difficult campaign, finishing 15th in the Premier League, their worst top-flight performance since relegation in 1974, and losing in the Europa League final to Tottenham. These setbacks have fueled Fernandes' determination to prioritize team success above all else.
Since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020, Bruno Fernandes has been nothing short of a revelation. His creativity, goal-scoring prowess, and unwavering commitment have quickly made him a fan favorite. Over 195 Premier League matches, he has amassed an impressive tally of 62 goals and 51 assists, statistics that underscore his importance to the team. However, Fernandes is acutely aware that individual brilliance alone cannot guarantee success in a league as competitive as the Premier League.
"United being talked about, being positive, that's the most important thing and that's what I want for this season," Fernandes stated. "If it happens that Bruno has to score fewer goals, provide less assists or do another type of provision of what is necessary for the games, I would be very happy."
The arrival of new attacking talent at Manchester United signals a clear intent to address the team's goal-scoring deficiencies from the previous season. Ruben Amorim has bolstered his attack for the 2025-26 season, adding Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko to his frontline, promising to inject more firepower into the squad. While increased attacking options are undoubtedly a positive step, Fernandes emphasized the importance of defensive solidity and collective responsibility in all areas of the pitch.
Addressing the need for improvement, Fernandes remarked, "We have more goals in the team because we know that we didn't score enough goals last year. But we also have to know that we have to defend better so as not to suffer as many goals as we conceded last year. And when I say defend better, it's not the defenders, but as a team."
Fernandes' vision extends beyond mere tactical adjustments; it encompasses a fundamental shift in mindset. He advocates for a team-wide commitment to defensive duties, highlighting the need for every player to contribute to regaining possession and thwarting opposition attacks. This collective approach, he believes, is essential for building a resilient and successful team.
"To know how to suffer, to know how to defend, to know the moments that are necessary to have everyone behind the ball, to have everyone to make recoveries, to have everyone react quickly when we lose it," Fernandes explained.
As Manchester United embarks on a new season, the words of Bruno Fernandes serve as a rallying cry for unity and collective endeavor. By prioritizing team success over individual recognition, Fernandes hopes to inspire a culture of togetherness that propels the Red Devils back to the top of the footballing world.
Whether it's scoring goals, assisting teammates, or putting in the hard yards defensively, Fernandes is prepared to do whatever it takes to help Manchester United achieve its goals. His unwavering commitment and leadership qualities make him a vital asset to the team, and his desire to shift the focus from individual achievements to collective success reflects his deep-seated passion for the club.
The upcoming season promises to be a defining one for Manchester United, and with Bruno Fernandes leading the charge, the Red Devils will be aiming to restore their status as one of the most formidable forces in football. The emphasis on team spirit, defensive solidity, and a collective commitment to success could well be the key to unlocking the club's full potential and achieving the lofty ambitions that Fernandes and his teammates share.