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Tactical adjustments at Manchester United are bringing Bruno Fernandes back to the center of attention. |
The last time a Manchester United player won the Ballon d'Or was in 2008, when Cristiano Ronaldo was at the peak of his form. Nearly two decades have passed, and Old Trafford has seen many stars arrive and depart, but no one has yet been able to replicate that feat.
Right now, the name being mentioned most often is none other than Bruno Fernandes.
Adjustments helped Bruno explode onto the scene.
Joining Manchester United in early 2020, the Portuguese midfielder quickly became a key player in their style of play. Amidst the club's many changes, from coaching staff changes to periods of inconsistent form, Bruno has maintained a consistent influence.
Six seasons, four times winning the Club's Player of the Year award—a record equal to that of Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea—is clear evidence of his standing at Old Trafford.
It's worth noting that Bruno isn't just outstanding because of his internal achievements. He consistently ranks among the top teams in creative statistics in the Premier League.
This season, the 31-year-old midfielder has already provided 12 assists. The record of 20 assists in a single season, held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, is no longer a distant goal if he maintains his current performance.
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This season, the 31-year-old midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, has recorded 12 assists. |
The crucial change came from tactical adjustments. When Michael Carrick took over and brought Bruno back to the number 10 role, instead of frequently playing deeper as before, his creativity was unleashed.
In his last six Premier League matches, Bruno has provided five assists. His passes that tear apart defenses, his ability to move into space, and his decisive finishing have made the club's attack more fluid.
What are Bruno's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or?
Bruno's performances have helped him emerge as a contender for the Ballon d'Or. However, the Ballon d'Or is never just about individual statistics. Collective achievements play a crucial role in shaping the race.
Manchester United were eliminated from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season, and did not qualify for European competition. This has limited Bruno's opportunities at club level.
In this context, attention must inevitably turn to the national team. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and Portugal is considered one of the contenders for the championship.
In the current generation, Bruno is one of the most experienced and capable players who can make a difference. If he plays a crucial role in the team's deep run, or even in winning the Golden Trophy, his position in the Ballon d'Or voting will certainly change.
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In the current generation, Bruno is one of the most experienced and capable players who can make a difference. |
The ideal scenario for Bruno is a combination of collective success and outstanding individual performance. Breaking the Premier League assist record, winning the Player of the Season award, leading Manchester United back to the Champions League, and shining with Portugal at the World Cup.
At that time, Bruno Fernandes' name could not be ignored in discussions about football's most prestigious individual award.
At 31, Bruno is in the prime of his career. He's no longer just a passing phenomenon. His consistency, dedication, and ability to make an impact in difficult times help him maintain his value in a team that hasn't yet reached its peak. In many matches, Bruno is the tempo setter, the creative anchor, and also the one bearing the greatest pressure.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or is still a long way off. The path to making that dream a reality is not easy, especially with the competition becoming increasingly fierce. But with what he's showing so far, Bruno Fernandes deserves to be included in the group of players capable of creating a surprise.
And if all the factors align, Manchester United can certainly hope for another name to once again stand on the podium of world football glory.
Source: https://znews.vn/mot-dieu-chinh-bruno-khac-han-post1628550.html









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