Man United will finally have something they've not had in 17 years next season

Manchester United have plenty of reason to be positive ahead of the 2026/27 season

Manchester United are set to have the best attacking midfielder in the world to lead them next season as Bruno Fernandes continues to excite on the world's biggest stage.

It is difficult to determine who the greatest player is across the entirety of football, but there are definitely arguments to be made about specific positions. Think Lamine Yamal out on the right wing or Achraf Hakimi at right-back.

There are plenty of stars who are owning their positions, but none quite like Fernandes right now. The Portuguese midfielder has arguably been carrying United since he signed for £47million in 2020.

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Speaking during the Portugal vs Uzbekistan game at the World Cup, Roy Keane named Fernandes as the number one midfielder right now. He said: "The best player in the world in these positions, I'm talking about Bruno here.

"You give him that time and space, his decision making, the weight, the pace of the pass. He is by far the best player in the world in that position. We've seen him do it for United constantly, there was no doubt he was going to pick the right pass. Ronaldo's made a good run and look."

The midfielder has earned the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award four times and has graced the pitch 327 times in United colours. He has 215 goal contributions to his name, recently breaking the record for the number of assists created in a single Premier League season with 21.

Fernandes may have just the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in his domestic trophy cabinet for United, but he also has two Nations League titles with Portugal and is pushing hard for his first World Cup. The 31-year-old is truly the best player in the world in his position, and it's the first time United can claim to have one of those since his international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who left United in 2009.

During Ronaldo's first stint at Old Trafford, he won the Ballon d'Or, three Premier League titles, one Champions League, and a host of domestic trophies. At the time, he was considered the best rising star in his position and went on to become one of the greatest players of all time amid his rivalry with Lionel Messi.

There have been plenty of incredible players that have represented United, who have also had calls for the greatest player in their position. One of those is Wayne Rooney, who believed that he was the best centre-forward in the world at one point.

Speaking in 2022, Rooney admitted that he was adamant about his superiority at Euro 2004 and had unwavering belief in his abilities for England. He said: "It’s not actually until you get there when you get to your base and you are thinking let’s go and do it.

"I remember being excited around the hotel and being eager to get to play. I was an 18-year old kid just enjoying myself. You need to keep yourself occupied because you’ve got the pressure of the country on your shoulders.

"But I was there at 18, thinking to myself I was the best player in the world but there was no one better than me and I believe at that time I was. I wasn’t looking and thinking, 'That’s Zinedine Zidane.'

"I was thinking, 'We’re going to beat you, we’re too good for you.' It could have been Pele, George Best and Maradona on the other side – it wouldn’t have mattered."

Rooney also once named David de Gea as the greatest shotstopper while he was shining bright for United in 2014. Discussing the Spaniard following a 3-0 win over Liverpool, he said: "In my eyes, he is the best keeper in the world. The performances he has shown for us have been fantastic.

"He is not as tall as some other keepers but his spring and reach is really long. Sometimes in training you hit a shot and turn away thinking it has gone in and he just manages to get there. I am delighted for him."

However, these two players had competition that also shone bright at the same time. Rooney was always behind Messi and Ronaldo in the pecking order in terms of attackers, with Manuel Neuer potentially proving to be a more successful goalkeeper than De Gea.

It seems United have got an undisputed top star in their ranks for the first time since Ronaldo 17 years ago. Fernandes could go on to win the World Cup with Portugal and the ex-United striker by his side, but he has already proven his worth to the club over the last six years.

It is understood that Fernandes has told the club and his team-mates that he will remain at Old Trafford this summer, despite reports linking him with moves to the Saudi Pro League. He seriously considered a move to Al-Hilal last year, with agent Miguel Pinho locked in talks over a potential £100million transfer.

However, he remained with the club and went on to have a record-breaking season as Michael Carrick worked his magic with a struggling squad. Now, with Carrick signed permanently and reinforcements planned, Fernandes could cement his legacy for good at United.

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