‘Stop winning awards’ and become Man United’s maestro – Patrice Evra urges Bruno Fernandes

Patrice Evra has challenged Bruno Fernandes to turn his individual brilliance into greater collective influence at Manchester United after the Portuguese midfielder was crowned the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

Fernandes was recognised by his fellow professionals earlier this week after an outstanding campaign in which he finished ahead of Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Declan Rice, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Gabriel Magalhaes and Rayan Cherki for the prestigious award.

The Manchester United captain was instrumental in his side’s return to the Champions League, registering a record-breaking 21 assists in the Premier League.

That tally moved Fernandes one clear of Thierry Henry’s previous record of 20 assists for Arsenal in the 2002/03 season, underlining the extraordinary level of his creative output.

Yet despite his remarkable numbers, former United captain Evra believes Fernandes must now look beyond personal recognition and develop into the player who controls matches and elevates those around him.

Speaking on his Kick Stream, brought to you by Stake, the Dakar-born former French international questioned whether the 31-year-old’s influence extends far enough beyond goals and assists.

‘I want him to be the maestro’

Evra believes Fernandes possesses the quality to become a more complete midfield leader and wants him to take greater control of United’s performances.

“For the past three years, Fernandes has been Man United’s best player and he’s our best midfielder. But I will tell you why people criticise him. My worry with Bruno is that he doesn’t control the game.”

The former France international compared Fernandes with Paul Scholes, highlighting the former United midfielder’s ability to dictate the tempo and decide when to accelerate an attack or retain possession.

“I played with people like Paul Scholes, Sir Alex Ferguson would say, ‘Pass to Paul Scholes,’ because he knows when to control the game, to go forward or to keep possession.”

For Evra, Fernandes’ ability to produce decisive moments is already established. The next step is to become the midfielder around whom United’s entire performance is built.

“Bruno will keep winning all the personal awards, but I want him to make his teammates play better.”

Evra wants trophies, not more individual honours

Fernandes has also been named Manchester United’s Players’ Player of the Year in each of the last two seasons, making his latest PFA recognition further evidence of his importance to the club.

However, Evra believes another individual award should not be the Portuguese’s priority as United attempt to build on their return to Europe’s elite competition.

“Now that he’s won the Player of the Year award, I don’t want to see him win it again. I want Bruno play a part of the team, to be the maestro, to control the game, to dictate the game. I know what I’m talking about.”

Fernandes’ numbers remain a major asset for United, particularly after a season in which his creativity helped deliver a Champions League place.

But with silverware now the objective, Evra wants the captain to evolve from United’s leading match-winner into the midfielder capable of controlling games from start to finish.