Bruno Fernandes reveals why he does not want to win Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year at Manchester United

A challenge to his teammates?

According to CBS via The Sun, the captain said he did not want to win this award again if the team’s performances remained so poor. He even joked with players like Zirkzee about this, making it clear that his greatest wish is to see others like Amad, Garnacho or Rasmus taking the limelight away from him. According to him, if that happens, it will mean that the team has grown up and are competing with a different energy.

Despite another stellar individual campaign, the Portuguese midfielder expressed a desire not to be in the conversation for the award next season, not because he plans to underperform, but because he hopes his teammates will step up.

Fernandes emphasised that his primary objective is to elevate those around him, pushing them to reach their full potential. According to the captain, when others shine, the entire team benefits, and that’s the kind of progress he wants to see. His words were not a display of vanity or false humility but a genuine demonstration of leadership, taking responsibility, setting standards, and challenging his teammates to rise to the occasion.

“The main thing I want and I was even joking with Josh [Zirkzee] the other day. We were talking about the awards, and they were saying, ‘Oh, who’s going to win Player of the Season?’ They were kind of joking about it. And I said that I hope next year I’m not even in the conversation, even if I have the same season I had this year and that I’m not involved in winning that trophy. Because that will mean you step up, Amad will step up, Garnacho will step up, Rasmus will step up. If they start scoring goals, providing assists, running back, and tackling, then they’ll be the ones getting the attention, not me. And I’ll be the happiest person in the world. I’m here to help my team-mates get the best out of themselves, and that’s all I want to do, because I know that when they’re at their best, the team will be much better.”

Time and again, Fernandes took responsibility when others shied away. He demanded the ball in crucial moments, tirelessly tracked back to defend, and stepped up to carry the team through difficult spells. In a campaign where United often looked rudderless, Fernandes was the sole figure who maintained his level, embodying the leadership that was otherwise lacking across the squad.

More Manchester United News:

• £30m Premier League star warned against joining Manchester United
• Ruben Amorin drops Manchester United hint ahead of Europa League final vs Tottenham
• Manchester United offered the opportunity to secure trophy-laden Bayern Munich star

Fernandes spoke from a place of responsibility, acknowledging that while he has shouldered much of the load this season, he cannot do it alone. His message wasn’t about downplaying his importance but about spreading it. That’s what a captain does — he shares the weight, urging others to step forward and elevate their game.