Manchester United Assesses Bruno Fernandes Form During Crisis

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is under scrutiny after a difficult start to the season, with the midfielder's reduced influence and injury concerns emerging as the club prepares for its Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid.

According to BBC Sport, Fernandes helped United finish third last season with nine goals and 21 assists, setting a Premier League assist record shared with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. He was also named PFA Player of the Year for 2025-26.

His current output has dropped despite playing every minute of United's first six league matches. BBC Sport reported that Fernandes has three goals and one assist this season, all recorded in the win over Ipswich.

BBC Sport reported Fernandes is averaging 3.3 shots per match but only 0.8 shots on target, while his chance creation has fallen to 2.5 per match from four last season. He has created one big chance this campaign compared with one per game last year.

Fernandes previously highlighted the importance of team success while accepting his individual awards.

"It was a special season for me," said Fernandes.

"I am very proud. But we don't play tennis. We don't play just for ourselves.

We play for a team, we play for a club, we play for the fans. There is nothing more special than that," said Fernandes.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said the captain has been dealing with a manageable issue but remains available. Carrick also rejected suggestions that the team situation had become a disaster after United collected six points from six league games.

"There was a lot made of him missing minutes for Portugal. It happens a lot. It's not ideal, but it's manageable," said Carrick, Manchester United head coach.

"Bruno is able to play the games, he's pretty much over it. It's not a major deal, and he's in good shape," said Carrick, Manchester United head coach.

"Nobody is guaranteed to start. All the boys have their own standards," said Carrick, Manchester United head coach.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus previously said Fernandes had been affected by the injury during international duty. Fernandes missed one Nations League match before returning for later fixtures.

"Regarding Bruno, it has to do with his treatment, and the time he needs to recover. He's coming off an injury at Manchester United, and he told me he's been playing with that pain for the last three games, which is hindering him. That was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his usual level against Wales," said Jesus.

Carrick said United expected stronger results after his appointment as permanent head coach in May, but he believes the squad must respond to the difficult period.

"We expected a lot more," said Carrick, Manchester United head coach.

"I understand people thinking it's a disaster, but that's not in our mindset. You've got to be able to deal with it," said Carrick, Manchester United head coach.

United's recent struggles have also coincided with absences affecting the squad, including striker Benjamin Sesko's injury and the summer departure of Casemiro, whose experience had helped Fernandes operate with greater freedom last season.