According to a May 31, 2025, ranking by GiveMeSport, Fernandes is no longer in the top tier of the league’s best midfielders, despite his consistent output.
The Portuguese star, known for his creativity and leadership, was previously lauded as one of the division’s elite, but his slide in the latest rankings reflects a mix of team struggles and individual criticism, fueling debate across platforms like X.
Fernandes, who joined United in January 2020 for up to £68 million, has been a cornerstone of the team, amassing 65 goals and 55 assists in 189 Premier League games, with a record-breaking 18 goals and 11 assists in his first full season (2020/21).
His 31 goal involvements (16 goals, 15 assists) in the 2024/25 season place him behind only Mohamed Salah (54) and Erling Haaland (33), and he leads all players in chances created (505) over the last decade.
Under new head coach Ruben Amorim, Fernandes has thrived in a deeper central midfield role, evidenced by his through-ball for Rasmus Højlund’s goal in a 3-0 win over Leicester and a brace in a pre-season friendly against West Ham.
His leadership was pivotal in United’s 2024 FA Cup win, where he assisted Kobbie Mainoo’s goal, earning praise from Roy Keane for his “outstanding” captaincy.
Despite these achievements, Fernandes’ drop in rankings—such as GiveMeSport’s list, where he trails players like Martin Ødegaard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães—has sparked fan backlash. Critics point to his petulant on-field behavior, including three red cards in 2024/25 and visible frustration with teammates, as noted by Gary Neville and Keane.
United’s 15th-place finish last season also hurt his stock, though his individual performances, including a 50th Premier League goal from 50 yards against Liverpool, remain exceptional. Posts on X reflect the divide: @FPLfrasier argued Fernandes was the league’s best midfielder last season, citing his PFA Players’ Player of the Year shortlisting despite United’s struggles, while @AdamJoseph____ called him United’s most productive player post-Ferguson, demanding more respect.
However, some fans and analysts believe the ranking drop is justified, pointing to United’s inconsistent season and Fernandes’ occasional “silly dismissals” and “frustrating displays.”
The emergence of younger stars like Ødegaard (15 non-penalty goals, a Premier League record for a midfielder) and Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo, who shone under Enzo Maresca, has intensified competition.
Liverpool’s interest in players like Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, alongside their own midfield depth with Wirtz and Szoboszlai, further highlights the Premier League’s stacked midfield landscape.
As United prepare for their pre-season clash with Leeds United, where young defender Ayden Heaven has impressed, Fernandes’ role remains crucial. His contract extension to 2027 and Amorim’s tactical shift to a deeper role suggest he’ll continue to drive United’s revival.
Fans remain split, with some decrying the rankings as disrespectful to a player Pep Guardiola called “unbelievable” for his creativity, while others argue his leadership style and United’s mid-table finish justify the downgrade. The debate underscores Fernandes’ polarizing yet undeniable impact as United’s captain.
