Bruno Fernandes has come under scrutiny following Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
## What happened?

The Manchester United skipper broke Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s previous record for most assists in a single Premier League campaign with 20 assists.
He ended up winning the Premier League Player of the Season and the FWA Footballer of the Year awards.
The 31-year-old helped United finish third in the league table and earn qualification for next season’s Champions League.
## Henry hails Fernandes’ brains

Thierry Henry, the Arsenal legend, singled out Fernandes as one of the most creative players in the world, alongside Barcelona star Pedri.
He praised Fernandes’ ability to adapt to different positions, including an unorthodox pivot role alongside Casemiro.
Fernandes created 136 chances in the Premier League last season, the most in the league by a fair distance.
## The importance of a football brain

Henry explained the importance of brains in football, saying he always preferred an assist to a goal.
He smiled when he gave an assist, and believed that assists were just as important as goals.
Fernandes started the campaign in a deeper position but remained United’s talisman before being reinstated in the No. 10 role by Michael Carrick in January.
The Red Devils skipper went on to gift fans a historic campaign.
And Fernandes’ performance has drawn comparison to Barcelona superstar Pedri.
But Henry believes that Fernandes has the brains to turn the game around, even when things are not going his way.
So Fernandes will look to continue his outstanding form in the upcoming season.
## What comes next?

Fernandes will look to lead United to more success in the upcoming season, and his performance will be crucial to the team’s chances.
He will face stiff competition from other top teams, but his ability to create chances and score goals will make him a key player.
And with his brains and creativity on the pitch, Fernandes will be a player to watch in the upcoming season.
The Portuguese international has already made a big impact at United, and he will look to continue that form in the future.