But one voice has now added even more spice to the conversation surrounding United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Former Manchester United midfielder Alex Ferguson has reportedly been hugely impressed by the Portuguese star’s influence, with Fernandes once again demonstrating why he remains one of the most important figures in the team.
Against Sabah, Bruno was not simply wearing the captain’s armband and controlling the tempo. He was directly involved in the action, scoring United’s second goal as Michael Carrick’s side finally broke the visitors’ resistance.
And the timing could hardly have been better.
United had endured a frustrating 2–2 draw with Everton just days earlier, conceding a late equaliser after twice taking the lead. Carrick needed an immediate response from his players, and they delivered in emphatic fashion.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring before Fernandes struck, Benjamin Šeško added another before half-time and Lisandro Martínez completed the destruction after the break.
The performance also highlighted something Carrick has been trying to build: a team that can attack with speed, combine intelligently and hurt opponents in transition.
Carrick admitted afterwards that some of United’s attacking football was “fantastic” and praised the team’s threat on transitions. He also stressed that the 4–0 scoreline made the contest look easier than it actually was.
And Bruno was at the centre of it all.
The captain continues to carry enormous creative responsibility, but the exciting part for United supporters is that he is no longer operating in isolation.
Youri Tielemans provided the assist for Bruno’s goal and impressed in midfield, while Kobbie Mainoo was again singled out for his influence. Benjamin Šeško also scored in consecutive matches, giving United another major attacking weapon.
That combination could become crucial.
Bruno can drift forward and create. Tielemans can help progress possession. Mainoo can carry the ball and connect the midfield. Cunha can operate between the lines. Mbeumo provides pace and directness, while Šeško gives United a genuine threat in behind.
Suddenly, Carrick has plenty of attacking pieces to work with. 😳🔥
And there is no time to relax.
Manchester City are next.
Carrick himself acknowledged before the Champions League opener that the short turnaround was not ideal, with United playing on Thursday before the derby on Sunday.
But after a 4–0 Champions League victory, the confidence inside Old Trafford will be considerably higher.
Bruno Fernandes has started Europe’s biggest competition with a goal.
Šeško is finding the net.
Cunha is causing problems.
Tielemans is growing into his role.
And Carrick’s Manchester United suddenly look like a completely different proposition.
The Champions League has returned to Old Trafford — and Bruno Fernandes has once again reminded everyone why the No.8 shirt belongs to the man at the centre of United’s revolution. 🔴🔥🏆