Despite Manchester United’s recent failures on the pitch, Captain Bruno Fernandez is often a shining light, producing many magical moments.
Portugal International saved the Red Devils from a devastating campaign, ending the 2024/25 campaign, assisting across 37 goals and all competitions.
The 30-year-old continues to excel in his new season, where he has already scored two goals in the Premier League. His latest was a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Reuben Amorim’s work would certainly have been on the line if he hadn’t made contributions from his fellow countrymen in the final third.
But the same cannot be said for one of his teammates. The talent of the first team cannot have the desired impact, and some of his mistakes could lead to his team number.
The Curse of the Man UTD #7 Shirt
In recent years, United’s seventh shirt has put a lot of pressure on players wearing such an iconic shirt.
The talents such as Alexis Sanchez, Memphis Depey and Angel Di Maria all succumbed to pressure and then left Old Trafford after a disappointing spell at the club.
Mason Mount is the latest player to break such a curse, but like the aforementioned trio, he struggles to create the impact he would have wanted when he moved to the theatre of Dreams.
The 26-year-old took part in the £60 million deal in the summer of 2023, but he was limited to just 52 appearances in the two-year spell in Manchester.
He suffered five injuries during such periods and missed a total of 52 matches in all competitions. He has since been ruled out of 50% of the game since joining the Red Devils.
Even if he fits, the former Chelsea star has struggled to live up to expectations, registering six goals and assists, a record of one contribution for every eight games he has featured.
It is no surprise to see the British dropping the hierarchy of Amorim as a result of his lack of shock and constant injury issues.
United star that could become Amorim’s next #7
As mentioned before, Bruno was often the one who came up with United’s magic, but it’s safe to say that in 2025/26 his responsibility was taken from his shoulders.
The hierarchy has supported managers for quest for success and spent more than £200 million on new additions to improve options within the last third.
Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko are two additions made during the offseason, the latter being the most expensive of the bunch, and have arrived at a total of £74 million deals, including add-ons.
In addition to his fellow summer, Brian Mbemo was already able to star in the Red Devils, and after joining from Brentford he scored twice in his first appearance at the club.
The 26-year-old arrived with high hopes after scoring 20 league goals in Brentford’s final campaign, but has already kickstarted his United career with the van.
His strike against Burnley helped secure Amorim’s side. He won the Premier League for the first time in the new campaign.
Called “superstar” by one analyst, Mbeumo also produced many impressive fundamental statistics that further highlighted his quality start in Manchester.
Bryan Mbeumo -Man Utd Stats (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (per 90) | totalling |
The game has been played | 6 |
The goal scored | 2 |
Accuracy | 80% |
A successful cross | 2.1 |
Possibility of being created | 1.9 |
Dribbling success | 60% |
The drawn foul | 1.7 |
Target shot | 1.3 |
Statistics via FOTMOB | |
He created 1.9 chances per 90 so far, along with a 60% dribbling success rate. This highlights the ability to transition the ball into dangerous areas before tees a teammate.
The Cameroonian also drew 1.7 fouls per 90, but completed 2.1 crosses per 90, with such numbers further showing how much of an impact he’s had since the big transfer.
If he continues to make an impressive form in Manchester, there is no reason why the attacker cannot follow in Bruno’s footsteps and return the club to its former glory.
He currently appears to be the best addition to Portugal internationally, but the pair could form a fatal partnership together in the near future.
Reflecting his immediate influence, Mbeumo should be handed a number seven shirt, and the Cameroonian talent is undoubtedly the perfect man to break the current curse at Old Trafford.