Despite the recent failings on the pitch for Manchester United, captain Bruno Fernandes has often been a shining light and producing numerous moments of magic.
The Portuguese international saved the Red Devils from a catastrophic campaign, ending the 2024/25 campaign with a total of 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions.
The 30-year-old has continued his excellent form into the new season, already netting two goals in the Premier League – with his latest securing a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim’s job would certainly have been on the line had it not been for his compatriot’s contributions in the final third, with the former Sporting CP talent certainly the club’s most important player in recent years.
However, the same can’t be said for one of his teammates, with the first-team talent unable to make the desired impact, with part of his failures potentially down to his squad number.
The curse of the Man Utd #7 shirt
Over recent years, United’s number seven shirt has often been one that has brought huge pressure onto the players who have worn such an iconic shirt.
Talents such as Alexis Sanchez, Memphis Depay and Ángel Di María have all succumbed to the pressure, subsequently leaving Old Trafford after disappointing spells at the club.
Mason Mount is the latest player to try and break such a curse, but like the aforementioned trio, he’s also struggled to make the impact he would’ve wanted upon his move to the Theatre of Dreams.
The 26-year-old joined in a £60m deal back in the summer of 2023, but he’s been restricted to just 52 appearances in his two-year spell in Manchester – with injuries massively halting his progress.
He’s suffered five separate injuries during such a period, missing a total of 52 matches in all competitions – subsequently being ruled out of 50% of games since joining the Red Devils.
Even when fit, the former Chelsea star has struggled to meet expectations, only registering six combined goals and assists – a record of just one contribution in every eight matches he’s featured in.
As a result of his lack of impact and constant injury issues, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Englishman drop down Amorim’s pecking order – potentially seeing one player take the number seven shirt in the near future.
The United star who could be Amorim’s next #7
As previously mentioned, Bruno has often been the man to come up with the magic for United, but it’s safe to say his responsibility has been taken off his shoulders in 2025/26.
The hierarchy backed the manager for his quest for success, spending over £200m on new additions to improve the options within the final third.
Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were just two of the additions made during the off-season, with the latter being the most expensive of the bunch – arriving in a deal totalling £74m including add-ons.
Fellow summer addition Bryan Mbeumo has already managed to star for the Red Devils, scoring twice in his first appearances for the club after joining from Brentford.
The 26-year-old arrived with huge expectations after netting 20 league goals for Brentford last campaign, but has already kick-started his United career with a bang.
His strike against Burnley helped secure Amorim’s side their first Premier League win of the new campaign – subsequently winning the club’s Goal of the Month award in the process.
Mbeumo, who’s been dubbed a “superstar” by one analyst, has also produced numerous impressive underlying stats which further highlight his quality start to life in Manchester.
Games played
6
Goals scored
2
Pass accuracy
80%
Successful crosses
2.1
Chances created
1.9
Dribble success
60%
Fouls drawn
1.7
Shots on target
1.3
He’s created 1.9 chances per 90 to date, along with a 60% dribble success rate – highlighting his ability to transition the ball into dangerous areas before teeing up a teammate.
The Cameroonian has also drawn 1.7 fouls per 90, whilst completing 2.1 successful crosses per 90, with such numbers further showcasing how much of an impact he’s had since his big-money transfer.
Should he continue his impressive form in Manchester, there’s no reason as to why the attacker can’t follow in Bruno’s footsteps and lead the club back to their former glory.
It looks as though he’s currently the best addition since the Portuguese international, with the pair potentially forming a deadly partnership together in the near future.
As a reflection of his immediate impact, Mbeumo should be handed the number seven shirt, with the Cameroonian talent arguably the perfect man to break the current curse at Old Trafford.
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