Sports
The case for Man United’s Fernandes as Premier League’s best
Bruno Fernandes‘ impact on Manchester United since arriving is unquestionable. Just look at his work in the March games vs. Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Both teams looked to pack the middle of the pitch, and the games were level when Fernandes grabbed the reins, tallying a goal and three assists in the two matches. Sometimes a player just knows what to do and isn’t afraid to do it.
From bursting on to the Premier League scene as a January signing in 2020 and powering United to the UEFA Champions League places — registering 15 goals plus assists (G+A) in 14 games — to being the creative metronome under current manager Michael Carrick, he has gotten better and better. No matter who was in United’s dugout or how toxic things became in the dressing room, they always had a player to rely on to pull a rabbit out of his hat and influence matches. Usually, it was with his assists and goals; even during Ruben Amorim’s miserable midseason takeover in 2024-25, he somehow managed 19 G+A in the league.
The infamous theory proposed in the media is that players thrive away from the cauldron of pressure Old Trafford creates — see Scott McTominay‘s rise at Napoli or Antony‘s at Real Betis. Fernandes, meanwhile, has always thrown himself into that cauldron, being whatever player United needed him to be.
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His 2025-26 season is a tale of two roles, one under Ruben Amorim and the other under Carrick. Combining the two Brunos has led to a Premier League Player of the Year-caliber season, and he is well worthy of the award. No one expected United to be this good under Carrick, and amid a personal-best year for Fernandes — he leads the league in assists with 16, twice as many as the next closest players (Jarrod Bowen, Rayan Cherki, eight) — it is no wonder that Carrick restoring him back to his best position has led to a uptick in United’s form.
Fernandes is a joy to watch in this refreshing iteration of Manchester United. Here we’ll take a look at how his role has transformed this season, why this might be the best football he’s played and why he deserves to win POTY.
Fernandes’ evolution in 2025-26
One of the parting gifts Amorim might have presented United with is inadvertently showcasing Fernandes’ versatility as a deeper central midfielder in the “regista” role, making him a better player overall.
Playing that role, which longtime Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos thrived in, meant controlling the game, dictating the tempo and setting up attacks instead of finishing them. It combined his abilities as an influential attacker capable of producing game-changing moments with a layer of calmness and tempo-setting to his game.
But while it’s a plus that Fernandes provided United with more control and helped get the ball from defense to attack, it felt like a waste to move a player with special creative abilities further away from goal. He could pick a pass out and find attackers, but none of the others has his “sixth sense” of making the correct decision in the final third.
Since moving back to his natural role with Carrick in charge, Fernandes has registered six open-play assists, compared with two under Amorim. It suggests that the tactical switch has turbo-charged United’s resurgence by getting Fernandes back to what he does best: creating chances from open play that other players aren’t capable of. A more settled midfield pivot behind him, featuring Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, has helped with this.
Under Carrick, United are a “forward-first” creative outlet. The mantra is simple: outscore opponents using the plethora of attacking talent at their disposal.
There were several matches in the Amorim era where United had no idea how to break down a stubborn block, with the Europa League final or the match against a 10-man Everton coming to mind, making the decision to play Fernandes as a central midfielder baffling.

Even if Fernandes gets the ball in the above scenario, there are too many Everton midfielders surrounding him.
Compare that with his more advanced position against Bournemouth after Carrick’s arrival. Even in a crowded space, his presence attracts defenders and frees up other United attackers. You want him in these positions because he can use his quick thinking to play the ball to a teammate. When he plays deeper, the risk is greater than the reward, and he could lose the ball close to his own box.

Could Amorim have played him further up the pitch? Yes, but as the season went on, the only change he made to his 3-4-3 system was trying to go more direct and hop on second balls — not exactly suited to Fernandes’ strengths.
With Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Fernandes in attack, often at times, any one of the three forwards drops to help the buildup. The dynamic rotations in the attack give Fernandes his coveted “free” role.
His assists under Carrick have come from a strikingly similar range. If you look at the goals from below, they both come from him finding Cunha in behind from an extremely wide position.
It’s a testament to his qualities as a player; opponents think that because he’s wide and so far from goal, he can’t hurt them, which couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s difficult to mark against because you don’t want to instruct a defender to close him down in such an awkward space.

There is a heap of players in the way for the Portugal international to hit his man, but that doesn’t deter him. This is what United get by simply moving him closer to goal: unlocking the unique magic moment that only he can provide.

Previously, when the ball fell to him in his own half, he might have tried a quick pass in behind. But after his stint in central midfield, we’re watching him spray a pass wide or look to take an extra second to hold possession.

There’s maturity evident in his game now, harnessing his skills from both deeper and more advanced positions.
Why Fernandes deserves to be POTY
Now that we know how he has evolved this season, how has he evolved over the years? And is this the best we’ve ever seen from him?
Well, some of the stats (per Opta) definitely back that up.
He is creating a United career-best 1.3 big chances per 90 minutes and 4.5 chances per 90. This is also the highest percentage of successful passes ending up in the final third he has ever registered, even usurping his time under former coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from 2019 to 2021, which included his 2020-21 season of 45 G+A.
Interestingly, Fernandes is playing more passes than ever into the box while touching the ball the least since coming to Old Trafford. With the goal-scoring burden falling on the shoulders of Cunha, Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, this makes sense.
He continues to play a high number of forward passes, as well as the most through balls he ever has. And fewer touches in the opposition box combined with more assists per 90 (0.59) indicate that Fernandes finally has an attack around him that he can provide for.
Predictably, his heatmap from this season pre-Carrick was all over the place.

Under Carrick, the areas further up the pitch that he likes to operate in shine brighter in yellow.

It also shows how he frequently peels left or right, where he can play a forward through on goal from the half-space — extremely similar to his 2020-21 season.

But how does Fernandes compare with other POTY candidates? Looking at some of the other players who have been tipped for the award, such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi, gives an impression of why Fernandes would be a deserving winner.
In terms of forward passes, chances created and passes played into the box, Fernandes is well ahead. Only Manchester City attacker Rayan Cherki‘s creativity stats get somewhere close to Fernandes’, but Cherki has played more than 60 minutes on just 10 occasions this season — nowhere near Fernandes’ minutes. It also must be noted that Cherki has often played as a right winger and isn’t involved as much as Fernandes is in the buildup.
Keep in mind that Fernandes was playing further away from goal until January, when Carrick arrived. Even then, he is averaging more touches in the opposition box and more passes that end up in the final third than any of the other contenders.
The statistics indicate we’re seeing Fernandes at his creative best: making more and better chances than ever and becoming more efficient in the process. He has become the orchestrator of United’s potent new-look attack.
Fernandes has always been a player who can influence matches, no matter how big the occasion. But now he has also honed the ability to control his dangerous precision. A feint here, a stepover there, blink twice, and he has found a yard somehow, then backs it up with a pass that finds a teammate perfectly.
He used to have three or four “bad” matches in a season, but adding a serene classiness to his creation has led him to be the standout performer in most of United’s matches.
The season has proved he can do it all, wherever he is on the pitch, and that’s why he is the Player of the Year.
Sports
Transfer rumors, news: Bayern eye move for Newcastle’s Gordon
Bayern Munich have made signing Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon a priority, while Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs keen on Newcastle midfielder Lewis Miley. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon is a priority for Bayern Munich and a deal could be worth around €60 million, reports Sky Germany. There have already been concrete talks between Bayern and the 25-year-old’s representatives, and he is the Bavarians’ first choice to challenge Luis Díaz for a starting spot in Vincent Kompany’s XI. Barcelona and Arsenal have also been linked, but the Magpies are determined to keep the England international.
– Newcastle midfielder Lewis Miley has received attention ahead of the summer, with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea among the clubs interested in signing him, according to TEAMtalk. Despite the interest, Newcastle value the 19-year-old highly as part of their long-term plans, especially as they are facing high-profile speculation about the futures of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade.
– Real Madrid are one of the clubs who can trigger a release clause of between €50 million-€60 million in Nico Schlotterbeck‘s new contract with Borussia Dortmund, according to Sky Germany. The clause specifies that the Germany center back can depart for a set fee, but it can only be triggered by certain clubs, with Bayern Munich not one of them. The 26-year-old’s new contract runs until 2031 and is worth a gross total of €14 million-per-year in wages, making him one of Dortmund’s highest earners.
– Bayern Munich are in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane but fear strong competition from Arsenal, according to Christian Falk. Bayern are expected to look for a back-up striker to Harry Kane this summer, especially with Nicolas Jackson set to return to Chelsea after his loan expires, and the 19-year-old is one of many names on their short list. Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani is also on Bayern’s list of options, but the club will move for a left winger and a right back before bringing in a striker.
– TEAMtalk suggests that Liverpool and Manchester United have been watching RB Leipzig for some time as they scout winger Yan Diomande, but their attention has now also turned to left back David Raum. Both clubs are looking for a player in his position with the Red Devils actively wanting to bring in competition for Luke Shaw, while the Reds are preparing for Andy Robertson to leave as a free agent.
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OTHER RUMORS
– Angelo Stiller will leave Stuttgart for around €60 million, with Liverpool keeping an eye on the midfielder’s progress. (Football Insider)
– Everton plan to keep Jack Grealish once the winger’s loan from Manchester City has come to an end. (TEAMtalk)
– Manchester United will have to pay over £40 million to sign Monaco attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche in the summer. (Football Insider)
– Aston Villa are planning to reignite their interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. (Football Insider)
– Real Madrid are planning for striker Gonzalo Garcia to leave the club during the summer transfer window. (Athletic)
– Brighton & Hove Albion are considering various goalkeeper options as Bart Verbruggen has interesting enquiries and could leave the club. (Florian Plettenberg)
– Roma will trigger their €25 million option to permanently sign Donyell Malen from Aston Villa if the conditions for the obligation aren’t met. (Nicolo Schira)
– Juventus’ obligation to permanently sign Lois Openda from RB Leipzig has been triggered with the total package coming to €46 million plus his wages, but they will still try to offload the striker this summer. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Swansea City are demanding £15m from clubs looking to sign striker Zan Vipotnik amid growing interest from Brighton & Hove Albion and other Premier League clubs. (Football Insider)
– Hoffenheim center back Ozan Kabak‘s new contract includes a clause that would allow him to leave for €25 million in the summer of 2027, and he is aiming for a Premier League move. (Florian Plettenberg)
– AC Milan aren’t satisfied with Pervis Estupinan‘s performances and are happy to let the left back leave in the summer. (Nicolo Schira)
– Wolfsburg are working intensively to sign Augsburg midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj with Union Berlin also interested. (Florian Plettenberg)
Sports
Mascherano quits as Inter Miami coach, 4 months after MLS title
MIAMI — Javier Mascherano has quit as Inter Miami CF head coach, just four months after guiding the club to its first MLS Cup title.
Miami said in a statement Tuesday that the Argentine coach had stepped down for “personal reasons.”
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Mascherano officially communicated his decision to the club following Saturday’s 2-2 home draw against the New York Red Bulls, a source confirmed to ESPN.
The club said that Guillermo Hoyos will take over as head coach of the first team for “the upcoming matches,” moving over from his current role of sporting director.
“I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF,” Mascherano said in a statement.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank the Club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organization for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments.”
Mascherano, a former teammate of Miami star Lionel Messi with Argentina and Barcelona, spent almost a year and a half at the helm after replacing Gerardo “Tata” Martino in November 2024.
The former Argentina under-20 coach led Inter Miami to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal and the Leagues Cup final, and he made history when lifting the MLS Cup during his first year with the club in 2025.
Miami is third in the Eastern Conference through seven games of the 2026 season but exited the Concacaf Champions Cup via a loss to Nashville SC.
The move comes not even two weeks after Inter Miami opened its new stadium near Miami International Airport. The club has tied its first two matches in the new facility.
“Javier will forever be part of this Club’s history and will always hold a special place in the Inter Miami CF family,” Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said. “Not only for being a key part of unforgettable achievements, such as winning the MLS Cup and the team’s historic performance at the Club World Cup, but also for the example he set through his dedication and daily work leading the team.
“We respect his decision and are deeply grateful for everything he contributed, wishing him nothing but the very best in his professional and personal future.”
Hoyos comes into the role after working as a coach and sporting director in leagues across the world including Liga MX and serving as Bolivia national team head coach. Chief soccer officer Alberto Marrero will assume Hoyos’ previous responsibilities as sporting director of the club.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sports
Liverpool’s star power can’t match PSG’s in Champions League
LIVERPOOL, England — In the end, Liverpool‘s latest European odyssey ended not with a bang, but with a whimper.
The second leg of the Reds’ UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie with Paris Saint-Germain had all the ingredients to be a European classic, and in many ways it delivered. The Anfield crowd was at its vicious, vociferous best as momentum swung between two sides capable, to varying degrees, of genuine excellence. Liverpool — who for much of this term have looked a pale imitation of the side that romped to last season’s Premier League title — ran and slid and pumped their fists as they sought to overturn a daunting 2-0 first-leg deficit.
But, just as they were at the Parc des Princes last week, PSG were simply too good. The European champions were made to suffer at times on Tuesday night, but they held their nerve. And when chances arose to underscore their dominance in this tie, Ousmane Dembélé seized them, scoring twice in the second half to send the French side through to the semifinals with a 2-0 win and a 4-0 aggregate victory.
Moments after the Ballon d’Or winner had netted the visitors’ second of the evening, Florian Wirtz lashed a wild effort over the bar for Liverpool to a chorus of jeers from the traveling PSG fans. In many ways, the sequence encapsulated the current disparity between the two sides.
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PSG have struck the perfect blend of arrogance and humility. They are totally assured of their own brilliance but possess the alacrity to back up the hype by leaving everything out on the pitch.
Like Liverpool, they are a side are packed with star power. Yet while PSG boss Luis Enrique has been able to corral his players into one glittering constellation, Arne Slot has yet to imbue his team with the confidence to truly sparkle. Still, it was telling that there were no signs of mutiny at the final whistle, even as the wind and rain swirled around Anfield.
Instead, the majority of Liverpool supporters stayed behind and applauded in recognition of a battling display from their side. The hosts generated an expected goals (xG) value of 1.94 compared to the visitors’ 1.25, had 21 shots compared to PSG’s 12 and recorded more than double the amount of touches in the opposition box.
Had PSG center back Marquinhos not slid in at the last to deny Virgil van Dijk a certain goal in the first half, or had Liverpool’s penalty for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister not been overturned in the second, the outcome could have been very different. But, ultimately, fortune did not favor Slot’s side.
That, too, has been an enduring theme of Liverpool’s season. So many times, when it has looked as if the Reds have managed to pick themselves up and dust themselves off, the fates have conspired to send them tumbling back onto the canvas.
Here, the withdrawal of Hugo Ekitike after half an hour with what looked like a serious injury presented yet another setback for Liverpool to overcome. Before Tuesday, the French attacker had shared the pitch for only 88 minutes with fellow summer signings Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who was handed his first start in more than four months against PSG after recovering from a broken leg. That the trio have so seldom been afforded the chance to forge a connection reflects the tribulations Slot has had to contend with this term, with the Dutchman now unlikely to have all three players available before the end of the campaign.
On his return to the starting lineup, Isak struggled to showcase the quality that saw Liverpool splash a British-record £125 million on him last summer, enjoying just five touches before his withdrawal at the break. With nothing to lose in the second half, the Reds attacked with a fervor that has evaded them for much of the season, but a cocktail of poor finishing and fine goalkeeping from Matvei Safonov denied them the opportunity to truly set this contest alight.
“Of course, we are very disappointed because I think there were parts of the second half where you could feel, ‘If we could just score now, this could become a very special night’,” Slot said in his postmatch news conference. “But the future looks very bright for this team, for this club. We have showed we can compete with the champions of Europe in our stadium. To be the dominant team, not many teams can be dominant against PSG and create as many chances as we did. Creating chances is one thing, scoring is a second.”
While Slot will be left to rue his team falling foul of the fine margins, the external clamor surrounding his future will no doubt continue to swell as Liverpool brace for their first trophyless season since 2021. The Reds have lost 17 of their 50 games in all competitions and must successfully navigate a tricky run of fixtures — starting with this weekend’s visit to Merseyside rivals Everton — if they are to be playing in the Champions League again next season.
For Liverpool, it is now top five or bust. With no Champions League miracle to cling to, even that might not be enough to convince supporters that Slot should still be in the dugout the next time Anfield plays host to one of Europe’s elite.
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