Will Fernandes be key to Man Utd Champions League return?

The season so far has been memorable for many of the wrong reasons for Manchester United fans.

Yet, despite the manager sacking and early exits in both domestic cups, it could yet prove to be a step in the right direction if the club were to secure Champions League football.

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And Michael Carrick's side are well-placed, sitting third, above Aston Villa on goal difference and three points ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool.

But is the reason they could yet rescue their season be down to one player?

Summer arrivals Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have impressed since donning the United shirt, and Benjamin Sesko is finding his feet slowly, but it has been the side's captain Bruno Fernandes who has again proved his importance to the team this campaign.

The midfielder's relationship with the club and fans has been somewhat complicated over the past season or so, with question-marks over his future surfacing on more than one occasion.

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He turned down a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the summer, which in an interview since has said he was "hurt" by the club's stance on it, but also said in October last year he will not discuss his future with anyone until after this summer's World Cup - when he will enter the final 12 months of his deal.

Despite all the background noise, he has consistently stepped up on the pitch.

With fewer than 10 league games remaining this season, Fernandes currently tops the charts for assists with 14 - six more than closest challenger Rayan Cherki of Manchester City.

The Portugal international also leads the way in both chances created (92) and big chances created (22), as well as successful passes into the penalty area (61), which is showing the level of opportunities he is providing for team-mates.

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How he has been conducting play from the middle of the park and providing that link between midfield and the frontline shows in how he ranks second in the league for through balls completed and final-third passes completed, while sitting third completed passes into the final third.

And, with seven goals to his name, his 21 goal contributions this term leave him only behind City striker Erling Haaland.

Within in all the these numbers, what emphasises Fernandes' importance all the more is that no other United players features in the top 10 for these nine metrics.

A defeat at Newcastle - Carrick's first in his spell in charge - last time out may have put a dent in their Champions League place hopes, but if their midfield talisman can keep up his form, he could be the one to get them over the line back to the European promise land come May.

How important is Fernandes to United's chances of Champions League football next season? Are the side too reliant on their captain?

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