Owen Hargreaves Calls Bruno Fernandes the Premier League's Elite as Man Utd Nears UCL Qualification
Synopsis
Manchester United inches closer to UEFA Champions League qualification after a critical victory over Chelsea. Owen Hargreaves has recognized Bruno Fernandes as the key contributor, labeling him the best player in the Premier League this season.
Key Takeaways
Bruno Fernandes is credited as the best player in the Premier League by Owen Hargreaves.
Manchester United secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, enhancing their Champions League qualification chances.
Fernandes has 18 assists this season, just one shy of the record.
The win places United 10 points clear of the sixth place.
Next match is against Brentford on April 27.
New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) Manchester United has made significant progress towards securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League following their victory against Chelsea. Former midfielder Owen Hargreaves praised Bruno Fernandes as the key player behind this win, declaring him the "top player in the Premier League".
The Reds achieved their first win at Stamford Bridge since 2020, thanks to Matheus Cunha's goal just before halftime, resulting in a 1-0 triumph in West London. Bruno contributed to the lone goal with his 18th assist of the league season and was awarded the Premier League’s Player of the Match for yet another stellar performance.
Fernandes is now just one assist shy of tying the record for the most assists in a Premier League season, with up to five games remaining in the current campaign.
Hargreaves remarked, "Bruno Fernandes is a strong contender for player of the year this season; he consistently creates pivotal moments. He was the standout player today, far ahead of everyone else. With Cunha's goal, it seems that Champions League football is returning to Manchester United. He is the finest central midfielder in the Premier League."
He continued, "While Kevin de Bruyne held the title for some time, right now, Bruno is the best player in the league. His performance over the season speaks volumes. The award may depend on the title winner; if Arsenal claims it, candidates like Declan Rice or Gabriel might emerge, but if not, Bruno Fernandes will likely take it. His contributions in terms of creativity and assists have been outstanding, coupled with his invaluable experience."
The victory over Chelsea has solidified Manchester United's position in third place, putting them 10 points clear of the sixth-placed Blues, as they vie for one of the coveted spots in Europe’s premier competition.
Post-match, Bruno expressed to TNT Sports, “This win is a fantastic feeling for us. We had to come back strong after not winning our last two matches. We understood the importance of delivering a great performance today because Chelsea is a formidable team.”
He added, “This was crucial for us as our goal is to secure a top-four finish, and they are the nearest challengers. It's essential to create some distance, and that’s what we accomplished today.”
Manchester United will now prepare to face seventh-placed Brentford at Old Trafford on April 27, which promises to be another challenging match for Michael Carrick's squad.
Point of View
The recognition of Bruno Fernandes as the best player in the Premier League reflects the heightened expectations and competitive spirit of Manchester United as they aim for a Champions League return. This sentiment resonates with fans and analysts alike, emphasizing the importance of individual brilliance in team success.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bruno Fernandes considered the best player in the Premier League?
Bruno Fernandes is regarded as the best player in the Premier League due to his exceptional playmaking ability, leading the league in assists and consistently delivering standout performances for Manchester United.
What was the significance of Manchester United's win against Chelsea?
The win against Chelsea was crucial for Manchester United as it solidified their position in the top three of the Premier League and brought them closer to UEFA Champions League qualification.
How many assists does Bruno Fernandes have this season?
Bruno Fernandes has recorded 18 assists in the Premier League this season, just one assist away from equaling the record for a single season.
What are the upcoming challenges for Manchester United?
Manchester United's next challenge is against Brentford, currently positioned seventh in the league, which is expected to be a tough match as they strive to maintain their top-four position.
Who are the contenders for Premier League Player of the Year?
While Bruno Fernandes is a strong contender for Player of the Year, other candidates may include players from title-contending teams like Arsenal, depending on the outcome of the league.
