During the closing stages of last season, when Fernandes was producing his best numbers, Benjamin Sesko regularly operated as the main striker, with experienced Brazilian midfielder Casemiro providing stability behind him.
Fernandes supplied the assists for four of Sesko’s nine league goals in 2026. He also created four of the last five goals Casemiro scored for Manchester United from 1 February onwards.
Beyond their goals, United are clearly feeling the absence of both Sesko and Casemiro.
Even Casemiro’s strongest supporters could hardly blame United’s poor running figures on the 34-year-old’s summer move to Inter Miami. Nevertheless, his positional awareness and understanding of the game remained excellent. His presence allowed Fernandes to make adventurous decisions, knowing United were less likely to be exposed on the counterattack if possession was lost.
Sesko’s latest shin problem has only prolonged an absence that is having a significant impact, with no clear date yet set for his return.
Despite calls for another attacking option during the summer, the club’s decision-makers chose to strengthen Carrick’s midfield instead.
The original plan was for Mbeumo to fill in as the central striker while Sesko was unavailable, but that approach was abandoned after Amad Diallo injured his ankle shortly before the opening match at Hull.
Matheus Cunha took on the role instead, although he frequently moved into deeper areas already occupied by Fernandes. The two players struggled to develop an effective understanding in those positions.
The situation appears to limit Fernandes, and although confidence is rarely an issue for him, his choices on the ball seem to have been affected.
In the weekend match against Tottenham, Fernandes remarkably needed 23 minutes to complete his first pass.
Looking ahead to Monday’s encounter with Atletico Madrid, Carrick said that no player was certain of a starting place. However, his additional remarks suggested that dropping the captain was not under serious consideration.
United need to raise their level, and Fernandes must improve with them.
Carrick believes the midfielder will rediscover his form.
He described Bruno as an outstanding player.
Carrick acknowledged that players sometimes experience periods when performances and results do not go their way.
He added that Fernandes has already achieved remarkable things for the club and expressed complete confidence that he will do so again.
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