Manchester United’s talismanic captain, Bruno Fernandes, is no stranger to headlines — but this time, it’s not the kind of attention the Portuguese midfielder would want. In a surprise twist, Fernandes has fallen in the latest rankings of the Premier League’s top midfielders, and it’s left fans across the football world divided.
Published by GiveMeSport on May 31, 2025, the new rankings show Fernandes slipping from his previously dominant position among the league’s elite. It’s a development that has sparked fiery debate across social media, especially among United supporters who view the 30-year-old as one of the most productive midfielders in the modern era.
Once hailed as a beacon of creativity and consistency, Fernandes’ recent drop is being attributed to both Manchester United’s underwhelming season and his own moments of on-pitch frustration. Despite his individual brilliance, the rankings reflect a growing perception that Fernandes no longer sits comfortably in the league’s upper echelon — at least, not without criticism.
That perception seems harsh when measured against the numbers. Since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020 for a fee rising to £68 million, Fernandes has been nothing short of sensational. With 65 goals and 55 assists in 189 Premier League appearances, including a historic 18 goals and 11 assists in the 2020/21 season, his output is elite by any measure.
Even more recently, the 2024/25 season saw him tally 31 goal contributions — 16 goals and 15 assists — placing him behind only Mohamed Salah (54) and Erling Haaland (33). Over the past decade, no player in the Premier League has created more chances than Fernandes’ jaw-dropping 505.
And yet, GiveMeSport’s rankings placed him behind the likes of Martin Ødegaard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bruno Guimarães, igniting a storm among pundits and fans alike. While some argue the decision reflects Fernandes’ disciplinary issues — including three red cards in the last campaign — others believe it’s a disrespectful dismissal of one of United’s most vital players.
Under new head coach Ruben Amorim, Fernandes has thrived in a deeper role, showcasing his passing range and intelligence. His pinpoint through-ball for Rasmus Højlund in a 3–0 preseason win over Leicester and his brace against West Ham have already drawn praise from Amorim and pundits alike. Roy Keane even applauded his “outstanding leadership” during United’s FA Cup win, where Fernandes assisted Kobbie Mainoo’s winning goal.
Still, not everyone is convinced. Critics like Gary Neville have pointed to Bruno’s on-field petulance and occasional lack of composure, which may have factored into his slip in the rankings. United’s disappointing 15th-place finish last season also casts a shadow, though many argue Fernandes was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise turbulent campaign.
The rise of younger, dynamic midfielders — such as Ødegaard, who notched a record 15 non-penalty goals for a midfielder, and Moisés Caicedo, who flourished under Chelsea’s new manager Enzo Maresca — has also reshaped the competitive landscape. Even Liverpool’s midfield, boasting talents like Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai, presents formidable comparisons.
But the numbers — and performances — suggest Fernandes is far from finished. His long-range stunner against Liverpool from 50 yards was a highlight of the season, and his contract extension to 2027 indicates the club’s firm belief in his value. Ruben Amorim has already tailored his midfield setup around Fernandes’ vision and leadership, ensuring he remains central to United’s project.
The debate rages on. On one side, fans feel Fernandes’ drop is unjustified, with posts on X praising him as the most productive midfielder United have had since the Sir Alex Ferguson era. On the other, some argue it’s a necessary correction based on temperament and team performance.
Regardless of where fans stand, one thing is clear — Bruno Fernandes remains one of the most talked-about, scrutinized, and influential players in the Premier League. Whether he can silence his critics and reclaim his top-tier status in the coming season is a challenge he appears ready to embrace.
Let the games — and the debates — continue.