Fernandes wins award after stand-out Marchpublished at 13:12 BST 3 April
13:12 BST 3 April
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been awarded the Premier League player of the month award for March.
The midfielder has now equalled former Red Devils team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo with six of the awards and sits just one behind the joint-record of seven shared by Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero and Mohamed Salah.
Fernandes has won the prize after an impressive month in which he produced two goals and four assists in just four matches.
He came out on top across the league for chances created (23), big chances created (six), combined goals and assists (six) and total assists (four).
In taking his overall assists tally for the season to 16, the 31-year-old beat a club record previously held by David Beckham, who provided 15 in 1999-00.
Fernandes also has the opportunity to match - and possibly break - the record for number of assists in one Premier League campaign, which is currently jointly-held by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne with 20.
Manchester United are next in action at home to Leeds United on the 13 April.
RB Leipzig have put a £87m price tag on 18-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, who is a target for Manchester United and Liverpool. (Sky Sports), external
Atletico Madrid are closing in on a deal for 26-year-old Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson, who is also of interest to Manchester United and Manchester City. (Fabrizio Romano), external
The case for Fernandes to win player of the yearpublished at 13:59 BST 2 April
13:59 BST 2 April
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Who will win the Premier League player of the season?
That won't be announced until towards the end of May but we already have a pretty good idea of the contenders, based on players' performances so far this campaign.
So, who are BBC reporters' player of the year picks?
Arsenal's Declan Rice is the favourite to be crowned player of the season but pushing him hard for the award is Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes is on course to break the record for the highest number of assists provided across a single Premier League season.
That tally is 20 - a total which has been reached by two players - Thierry Henry for Arsenal in 2002-03 and Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne in 2019-20.
There is no doubt the Manchester United skipper deserves to be named player of the year.
He is by far the most regular scorer or provider of goals in the Premier League.
Of the 11 games he has not done one or the other for United this season his team did not score at all in three. In one of the others, at Aston Villa, he had to go off at half-time, which was a shock in itself because Fernandes hardly ever misses a game.
His 16 assists are twice as many as anyone else. He is joint fifth in the list of midfield goalscorers.
In a season where attacking players have largely not stood out consistently across the entire campaign, he is the exception.
The Manchester United captain deserves recognition not only for his form this season but also for his consistency over several years.
Even as United have fallen short of expectations, Fernandes has delivered in what has often been a dysfunctional environment, which has now stabilised under interim boss Michael Carrick.
For me, Fernandes is something of a Matt le Tissier figure, reminiscent of his Southampton days in the 1990s: a player who could have left to win more trophies but has stayed loyal in a way others perhaps might not have been.
With eight goals and 16 assists in 28 Premier League matches this season, he would be my pick for player of the season.
How has Carrick helped Man Utd close in on Champions Leaguepublished at 13:27 BST 2 April
13:27 BST 2 April
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
On the surface, it seems quite simple.
Michael Carrick followed Darren Fletcher's lead in ditching Ruben Amorim's three at the back formation, pushed skipper Bruno Fernandes into a more forward role, recalled Kobbie Mainoo to play alongside Casemiro and stuck with it.
Across his 10 games in charge, Carrick has made just six changes to his starting line-up.
Two of those were enforced.
United's relative lack of games - they are currently in a stretch of 23 days without one - means rotation is a choice rather than a necessity.
Yet Carrick's impact goes far deeper.
Club sources note the sense of calm that has settled across the club.
The 44-year-old is a relaxed individual - the epitome of someone who does not get carried away by success or overly despondent by failure.
In public, that comes across in his media briefings.
"I'm not going to sit here and get angry with you if that's what you're asking," was Carrick's response when he was asked before the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth if he ever used anger as a management tool.
The attitude is in stark contrast to Amorim, who admitted to getting emotional at the performances of his team. That led him to make ill-advised news conference comments.
Rather than being on edge, United's staff at their Carrington training complex feed off Carrick's attitude and the feeling is they are delivering more.
Meetings between the head coach and Wilcox are fewer now, it is said, because there are not as many day-to-day issues to address.
Sources who know Carrick say his intention has been to strip training back to basics. That has resulted in the shorter sessions critics have argued show the players are not being worked hard enough.
Sources close to the players say the squad are unified, happy and enjoying their work.
Twenty-three points from 10 games since Carrick's appointment is the highest in the Premier League over that period.
During this period, some of the alternatives to Carrick for the permanent role have either suffered reputational damage or become unavailable - Roberto de Zerbi would become the latest if he accepts the Tottenham job.
United's stance remains they do not want to be bounced into an appointment, and will take their time reaching a decision.
The reality is they are yet to speak to anyone else.
There are some elements of Carrick's management that cannot be answered this season - including how he copes with a 60-game campaign, compared to this one with its optimum preparation time, which has allowed Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Casemiro to play every game under him.
There is also the reality that after pushing for Amorim's appointment, Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada risk their own reputations if they get another major call wrong.
Nothing is certain until an appointment is made, but if United maintain their momentum and qualify for the Champions League, it is hard to imagine Carrick not being given the job.
Which clubs have used academy players most in Premier League?published at 12:19 BST 2 April
12:19 BST 2 April
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Manchester City and Chelsea, even with heavy spending in recent years, are leading the way this season when it comes to the use of academy players.
City have used seven academy players in the Premier League in 2025-26 - more than any other side. Chelsea's graduates, meanwhile, have accumulated the most minutes with 5,673.
Manchester United's tradition continues - their ongoing run of naming at least one home-grown player in a matchday squad dates back to 1937. They have used six this season, although their combined minutes (1,264) are well short of Chelsea and City (5,162).
There are some nuances within the numbers.
Across the Premier League, there are players from top-flight academies now at other teams.
Some players moved clubs during the season and others moved from one academy to another before making a senior appearance, the most notable example being Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea to Liverpool.
Leeds have said the fixture is subject to the club retaining their Premier League status and whether they are involved in the Community Shield.
Daniel Farke's side, who are four points above the relegation zone with seven league games remaining, play their FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham on Sunday.
Leeds played AC Milan in a friendly at Dublin's Aviva Stadium prior to the start of this season and chief business officer Morrie Eisenberg said, external the club's "support in Ireland is huge, which was demonstrated last year".
Gossip: Barcelona's option to buy Rashford expirespublished at 07:14 BST 2 April
07:14 BST 2 April
Barcelona's £26m option to buy on-loan England forward Marcus Rashford expired in March, meaning the Spanish club must now negotiate a transfer fee with Manchester United. (Cadena SER - in Spanish), external
Manchester United are interested in 23-year-old Benfica and Sweden defender Samuel Dahl, with the club sending scouts to watch him more than 10 times this season. (Record via SportWitness), external
Manchester United and Liverpool are pursuing a move for 19-year-old RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande. (Sportsboom), external
Is Fernandes a United legend? A future manager? Or not at that status level?published at 15:56 BST 1 April
15:56 BST 1 April
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on if Bruno Fernandes a Manchester United legend.
Here are some of your comments:
Lucy: Winning trophies is a team effort. Earning the status of club legend requires commitment and hard work, which Bruno has been bringing to the table since day one. I'd have no problem ranking him alongside Best, Cantona, Robson, Irwin, and even Sir Bobby.
Graham: Get a new engine room in midfield and I'm confident United can dominate again in the Premier League and get Fernandes what he deserves.
Calum: Fernandes has to be counted as a legend regardless of what he has won. Without him we would probably be in the Championship!
Vernon: We definitely would be in a lot of trouble without him. However he can often be a liability because he spends too much time moaning. Not cajoling but just constant moaning. He is no Bryan Robson.
Jeh: I think Bruno is a legend regardless of whether he wins a Premier League. How many captains in the Premier League have the numbers that Bruno has and won two trophies and four finals? Yes, United haven't been as successful but it's a different time. Having said that I would give an arm to see Bruno lift the Premier League at old Trafford. Future United manager.
Lewis: A Legend? No doubt! Where would United have been without him? He can't do that much about the other 10 players on the pitch - though he does inspire them. And would he have made it into the legendary United teams of yesterday? For sure.
Clint: Bruno has carried a very poor side making average players look good around him season after season. Of course he should be classed with the greats. Robbo was my hero, but I'd say Bruno has achieved as much if not more in his standing with the fans and players who have shared the pitch with him. I'd go so far as to say he's our greatest foreign import. Stayed longer and did more than most. When United were struggling he kept the club above the relegation zone single-handed. Spurs are wishing they had a Bruno. So yes he deserves a statue at the end of his career. Most of those with statues won less than him during their time at the club. If he had been under Sir Alex he'd of won even more, because he'd have had a team of giants alongside him. So one of United's greatest? Of course he is!
Terry: I would say legend in the same way that Martin Buchan, Lou Macari or Steve Coppell are legends without winning the league.
Maguire charged over conduct after dismissal at Bournemouthpublished at 14:39 BST 1 April
14:39 BST 1 April
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been charged by the FA following his red card at Bournemouth.
Maguire was sent off in the 78th minute of the 2-2 draw at Vitality Stadium for bringing down Evanilson, with the Cherries equalising from the subsequent penalty.
The FA said he is alleged to have acted in an improper manner and used abusive and/or insulting language towards the fourth official.
Vitek's desire to play - what happens now? published at 13:38 BST 1 April
13:38 BST 1 April
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
During his time at Ashton Gate, Radek Vitek has been in regular contact with United's goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson, whose status was elevated in January following Ruben Amorim's dismissal.
"We speak regularly; he gives me feedback," said Vitek. "He has been watching clips from games. It is good conversation with him."
Vitek comes across as assured and measured.
It is a calmness that has helped him make some huge moves. As a 12-year-old, he left his "small village" to join Sigma Olomouc. He was 16 when the call came from Manchester United.
"I couldn't turn down Manchester United at such a young age," he said.
"I knew it would be a challenge; new country, new language, but if you don't work for something in life, you can't achieve much.
"Looking back, I did the right step. It built my personality and character as well.
"There have been some difficult times but, when you overcome that, it builds you up, you have more confidence and you believe in yourself.
"I have always been a bit of a loner. Sigma Olomouc was over an hour from home, and I stayed over the week, so I was already used to the travel and being on my own."
It was pre-planned for the past three summers he would go out on loan. Struber took him to Bristol City this season after receiving excellent reports from Vitek's time in his Austrian homeland once it became clear loan rules meant he needed to stay in England.
"It would be amazing to go over, play for Manchester United straight away and be unbroken but it's not really usual," he said.
"I think each time, I proved I can go another level and that I deserved to make another step to the Championship.
"Loans are not easy for a young goalkeeper. Young goalkeepers usually have some ups and downs. I really appreciate that everyone in the club trusted me to come here and do a job."
That includes dealing with crosses and set-pieces, which have become harder to deal with as the standard of delivery has improved.
Not that Vitek is too flustered by that.
"Now it is a more powerful game," he said. "I see long throws and people crowding your box.
"It is difficult for goalkeepers but luckily for me, I am 6ft 6in, so I can deal with it."
Vitek signed a contract extension to 2028 with United when they agreed to this season's loan. Yet his future beyond his stint Bristol City is uncertain.
Do United see him as a competitor to Senne Lammens, only 23 and relatively inexperienced himself, for a campaign virtually certain to include European football? Or will it be another loan?
"At the moment, I'm focusing on being as strong as possible for Bristol City with eight games to play," he said.
"I want to give my best for the club and build my platform towards next season.
"Then I will communicate with Manchester United closely, and we will see what's going to be best for me next season.
"But I want to play football. I don't want to just be somewhere sitting on the bench."
'I would give everything for Fernandes to win a Premier League at United' published at 07:54 BST 1 April
07:54 BST 1 April
Image source, Getty Images
On the latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast, co-hosts Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath discussed Bruno Fernandes and whether he can be classed as a legend at Old Trafford.
Drinkwater said: "Because of how successful Manchester United have been, if you truly want to join the pantheon of greats - and there are so many that Manchester United have - you need to have won the European Cup or the Premier League.
"If you've not won either of those, I struggle to put you in that bracket, with the likes of Eric Cantona, George Best and Wayne Rooney.
"I feel sorry for him [Fernandes] because without him who knows where Manchester United would have sunk to.
"The direct comparison at this point in his career that you can make is Bryan Robson - Captain Marvel. Everyone loved Bryan Robson.
"He was playing for Manchester United in a period that we weren't successful in terms of winning the league.
"He did end up winning the league towards the end of his Manchester United career. He wasn't a mainstay at that point necessarily, but he did still win that league.
"I would give everything for Bruno Fernandes to win a Premier League at Manchester United - and if he does, he shoots up there."
What do you think? Is Fernandes a United legend or is he not up there in that top bracket?
However, United are the favourites to sign Toulouse's 23-year-old former England Under-21 defender Charlie Cresswell. (Teamtalk), external
The Old Trafford side have also been handed a boost in their pursuit of 25-year-old Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Newcastle open to selling their best players for the right price this summer. (Sun), external
Manchester United are among the clubs interested in 25-year-old Brazil midfielder Joao Gomes, who could be available for about £39m if Wolves get relegated. (Caught Offside), external
Forward Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona, is one of five players set to leave Old Trafford this summer, with the Red Devils hoping to recoup over £100m in sales. (Sky Sports), external
However, striker Joshua Zirkzee is eager to stay next season because he believes he will be given chances under Michael Carrick if he remains in charge. (Mail - subscription required), external
'Midfield rebuild is Man Utd's clear priority'published at 12:28 BST 31 March
12:28 BST 31 March
Alex Turk Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
We are one week into three without a match for Manchester United. Therefore, naturally, most of the discussion has drifted towards another big summer of recruitment.
The midfield rebuild is United's clear priority but how should the club go about it?And which positions are next in line, in terms of how urgently they need addressing?
Let's rank United's summer transfer priorities as preparations ramp up for the Premier League run-in and beyond.
A new Casemiro
I say a new Casemiro, but the fact of the matter is that the task of replacing the outgoing 34-year-old is a daunting one.
It is undisputedly United's most important signing and strong links to Premier League candidates highlight that the chosen one must hit the ground running instantly.
Competition for Kobbie Mainoo
The midfield rebuild cannot stop there. United need numbers and another option who raises the physical and athletic floor of this squad.
I am convinced that it is almost guaranteed to be Carlos Baleba of Brighton, despite his underwhelming form this season.
Find Luke Shaw's successor
Shaw may have started all 31 Premier League games this season, but he can no longer influence both ends of the pitch like he previously could.
If Patrick Dorgu's long-term future lies in attack, United need a left-back who can bomb up and down the flank from the first whistle to the last. But with two games a week returning next season, Shaw will still have a big role to play.
Return of the wing
United's recruitment under Ruben Amorim was largely excellent. However, to accommodate his wing-back system, wingers at Old Trafford are almost extinct.
Amad and Dorgu fit the profile, but Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo favour operating in inside channels. United are yet to fully replace Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho in full after last summer's culling.
January's attempt to lure Antoine Semenyo was an indicator that, despite recent attacking expenditure, United do not view the job as done just yet.
Gossip: Man Utd have eyes on Spain forward Torrespublished at 06:38 BST 31 March
06:38 BST 31 March
Juventus are keeping an eye on Manchester United's Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte during the international break and might move for the 24-year-old this summer. (Gazzetta - in Italian), external
Manchester United and Arsenal are among clubs keen on signing Barcelona's 26-year-old Spain forward Ferran Torres this summer. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
'Maguire now a serious contender'published at 10:29 BST 30 March
10:29 BST 30 March
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
England's struggle to impose themselves on Uruguay meant it was a testing night for those wanting to impress.
"There's no-one out there in a red shirt that looked over to the bench and said, 'I'm ready. I'm going to America. I want a ticket for that plane'," said ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Manchester United's Harry Maguire made the most of his recall in defence with a solid display, capped by two brave, crucial blocks in the closing stages as Uruguay pressed for an unlikely winner.
He is now a serious contender for the squad, especially with fitness doubts continuing to surround John Stones. Tuchel may also find Maguire's experience at major tournaments crucial.
Gossip: Inter Miami open Casemiro talkspublished at 06:52 BST 30 March
06:52 BST 30 March
Inter Miami have started talks with Casemiro's camp about signing the midfielder, who will leave Manchester United in the summer, but the Major League Soccer side face competition from other teams in Europe and Saudi Arabia. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Tyler Fletcher, who could make his Scotland Under-21 debut against Portugal on Tuesday, says there is no chance he will follow twin brother Jack's decision to pledge his future to England and the Manchester United midfielder has targeted surpassing father Darren's 80 caps for Scotland. (Scottish Sun), external
