Last summer, Bruno Fernandes was strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, amid reports of a release clause in his contract that could have tempted clubs to lure him away from Manchester United. However, after discussions with the club, Fernandes chose to stay and went on to play a vital role under Rúben Amorim.

Under Amorim, Fernandes often featured in a deeper double pivot alongside Casemiro. More recently, though, he has returned to his preferred No.10 position under Darren Fletcher and now Michael Carrick.

The United captain has been a key figure for the club for years, but his influence seems to have grown even further under Carrick. Since the Manchester derby, which was Carrick’s first game in charge, Fernandes has recorded three goals and eight assists, and after already surpassing David Beckham's record of most assists in a season by a Man Utd player (15), he is now on course to break the Premier League assist record.

Currently sitting on 16 assists, the 31-year-old needs just five more assists from United's remaining seven games to beat the record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

Fernandes has been a key part of Michael Carrick's turnaround of Manchester United, who now find themselves in a fantastic position to secure Champions League football next season.

Fresh off the bat of being named Premier League Player of the Month for March, Michael Carrick has backed his captain to go one step further and be named Player of the Season after enjoying a stellar and potentially record-breaking campaign.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, “I think, genuinely, the impact he has had on the group for quite a period of time now is impressive in different ways.

“He is always there, putting himself forward—his attitude, his approach to the game—and he understands what it means to play here.

“To put in that level of performance consistently, not just this season but over a long period of time, I think he has had a big impact.

“He has done great since I came back as well. So yes, I think he has got to be up there as deserving as anyone of that kind of award.”

Current odds show that Bruno Fernandes is seen as the second favourite to be awarded Player of the Season, behind Arsenal Midfield Declan Rice.

However, if Arsenal's form in the league continues to wobble and are caught by Man City, and Bruno Fernandes goes on to break the assist record, it's hard to see how the Portuguese maestro doesn't receive the prestigious award.

Some fans could see this as a perfect send-off for a player whose trophy cabinet should be laden with silverware, but ultimately, has just one FA Cup and Carabao Cup to show for it.

At 31, Fernandes still has plenty to offer to the Old Trafford faithful, and with the side finally looking like they are turning the page and taking strides forward, there can surely be no man to spearhead this new Manchester United side than Bruno Fernandes.