Bruno Fernandes admits he personally struggled with Manchester United setback during 2025/26

Manchester United took another step towards Champions League qualification with a win over Crystal Palace, much to the delight of Bruno Fernandes.

Bruno Fernandes scored one goal and provided one assist to lead Manchester United to a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace.

United are now third place in the Premier League table, on track to qualify for the Champions League. Top five are likely to seal qualification, and United are now six points clear of Chelsea in sixth place.

Fernandes spoke after the game to MUTV about United’s progress.

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One of the reasons Manchester United have been so effective in recent weeks has been the lack of European football.

Combined with early exits from domestic cups, United have been playing just once per week, enjoying a lighter schedule than competitors.

This has been a benefit, but it is not a situation United wish to repeat.

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Speaking post-match to MUTV, club captain Bruno Fernandes says he has struggled with the lack of games.

Fernandes said: “We struggle a lot this season by playing just one, one game a week, at least I did.

“And I’m pretty sure that also the players that have played less [also have], because we have less games, it’s more difficult to rotate, and I think everyone needs to have a chance to play.”

Fernandes raises an important point, because his game time has not been impacted as he is an automatic pick, but others have suffered.

Kobbie Mainoo barely got a kick in the first half of the season, while Joshua Zirkzee continues to struggle for minutes, and more recently, so has Ayden Heaven.

Fernandes continued: “Obviously when you have a game every week, is more difficult for the manager to make a lot of changes to give a lot of opportunities.

“And when you play in Europe, and with the amount of games you have to play, it gets important also for the squad to understand that everyone is very important in any moment of the season.”

He added that his top motivation is to be in, ‘the best competition in the world, that is the Champions League.’

United are in control of their own destiny right now and can take another step forward with an away win over Newcastle this coming week.

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Some great performances today!

Shortest Man Utd season in more than 100 years

Manchester United are playing the club’s shortest season since the 1914/15 campaign.

United will end the season playing only 40 competitive matches. 38 in the Premier League, one in the Carabao Cup, and one in the FA Cup.

Qualification for the Champions League will automatically add eight extra games to United’s schedule for next season.

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