Bruno Fernandes signs new Manchester United contract: Decoding his stats
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has signed a new contract that will extend his stay with the club until June 30, 2027, with the option for a further year. He becomes one of the club's top earners now. Fernandes had joined the club in January 2020 on a five-and-a-half year deal from Sporting Lisbon. The midfielder joined for £67.7m (add-ons included). Here's more.
Why does this story matter?
Fernandes has been Man United's best player since he joined from Sporting. His consistency and ability to read the game have stood out. He was given the captain's arm band after Harry Maguire was stripped off the role before the start of 2023-24 season. Man United have held positive talks with the player and his camp. A contract extension is what followed suit.
'Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United'
"Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United. I can see how positive the future is going to be and I am relishing leading this team forward," Fernandes said as per the official club website. "I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club," he added.
Fernandes owns 79 goals and 67 assists for the club
Fernandes has made 234 appearances for Man United in all competitions. He owns a tally of 79 goals in addition to 67 assists. 159 of his appearances for the club have come in the Premier League. He has scored 54 goals (41 assists).
Fernandes' Premier League stats
As mentioned, Fernandes owns 54 goals and 41 assists in the Premier League to date. 19 of his goals have been penalties. Out of his 441 shots, 174 of them have been on target. He has smashed the woodwork 17 times. Fernandes has created 91 big chances besides missing 32. He has provided 107 through balls and 573 accurate long balls.
Breaking down his Premier League 2023-24 season in stats
Fernandes made 35 Premier League appearances for Man United in the 2023-24 season. He managed to score 10 goals and provide 8 assists. As per Squawka comparison matrix (data by Opta), Fernandes created 112 chances and owned a passing accuracy of 79.38%. Fernandes had 108 touches in the opposition box. He completed 45 lay-offs and 19 take-ons. He also made 68 tackles.
Fernandes' best season was in 2020-21
Fernandes' best season in a Man United shirt so far has been the 2020-21 campaign. He played 58 matches in all competitions, scoring 28 goals and making 18 assists. Notably, he was involved in 30 Premier League goals (G18 A12).
Fernandes has won numerous accolades
Portugal midfielder Fernandes has lifted one FA Cup and a Carabao Cup under current manager Erik ten Hag. He has also been a FA Cup runner-up under the Dutchman. Under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Fernandes reached the 2020-21 Europa League final. Fernandes has won four Premier League Player of the Month awards and three Goal of the Month awards.
