In the heart of Manchester United’s turbulent 2024-25 season, one voice has risen above the din of disappointment to champion the club’s embattled captain, Bruno Fernandes. Luke Littler, the 17-year-old darts prodigy and lifelong Red Devils supporter, has made headlines with his staunch defense of the Portuguese midfielder, declaring he wouldn’t trade Fernandes for any of Europe’s elite midfielders. With Manchester United languishing in 15th place in the Premier League and reeling from a Europa League final loss to Tottenham, Littler’s bold stance underscores the enduring impact of Fernandes, a player whose brilliance continues to shine despite the club’s struggles.
Littler, fresh off his sixth Premier League Darts victory in Sheffield, was quizzed about Fernandes’ value in a hypothetical swap with some of the continent’s brightest stars. The list was a who’s who of midfield talent: Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard, Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Inter Milan’s Nicolò Barella, Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Manchester City’s Rodri, and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. To each name, Littler’s response was a resolute “No,” a testament to his belief in Fernandes’ unrivaled quality. “He’s world-class,” Littler declared, a sentiment that resonates with fans who see Fernandes as the heartbeat of a faltering United side.
Fernandes, who turned 30 in September 2024, has been a beacon of consistency since joining United from Sporting CP in January 2020 for an initial £46.6 million. His 2024-25 season stats—16 goals and 16 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions—highlight his enduring influence. Despite United’s dismal campaign, Fernandes’ ability to dictate tempo, deliver pinpoint passes, and score from distance has kept him among the Premier League’s elite. His 599 pressures in the middle third, the highest of any midfielder in the league, showcase his relentless work rate, while his eight Premier League goals, three from outside the box, underline his attacking prowess. “I’ve been critical of Bruno over the years, but I’ve been proven wrong,” admitted former United midfielder Roy Keane, praising Fernandes’ leadership in the 2024 FA Cup final, where his assist for Kobbie Mainoo’s goal secured a 2-1 victory over Manchester City.
The backdrop to Littler’s praise is a season of upheaval for United. A 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, sealed by Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal, exposed the team’s frailties. Fernandes, who rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in July 2024, admitted the temptation to leave but reaffirmed his commitment after talks with his family and the club. “I’m not thinking too much about the future,” Fernandes said, emphasizing his focus on the present. Yet, with manager Rúben Amorim tasked with rebuilding a squad that missed Champions League qualification, speculation persists about Fernandes’ long-term future, with Al-Hilal reportedly offering €30-35 million annually.
Littler’s admiration for Fernandes extends beyond statistics. The darts sensation, who called United’s potential loss of their captain a “shambles,” sees Fernandes as the embodiment of resilience. When Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham was overturned after a slip led to contact with James Maddison, Littler took to Instagram, decrying the initial decision with a quip: “Game’s still gone.” His passion reflects a fanbase desperate for stability, and Fernandes’ contract extension until June 2027 offers hope. Amorim, who has shifted Fernandes to a deeper central midfield role, praised his adaptability, noting, “He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days.”
As United prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup and a critical pre-season, Littler’s unwavering support for Fernandes serves as a rallying cry. The teenager’s meteoric rise in darts—crowned by a Premier League title and a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list—mirrors Fernandes’ relentless drive. With potential signings like Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha on the horizon, United aim to bolster their attack to complement Fernandes’ creativity. For Littler and the Old Trafford faithful, Fernandes remains irreplaceable, a world-class talent who, as Amorim put it, is the kind of player United needs “more of” to reclaim their former glory.
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