It’s not often you hear a striker publicly championing his playmaker for the league’s top individual honor, but Benjamin Sesko, striker for Manchester United, has done exactly that. The Slovenian international is throwing his weight behind captain Bruno Fernandes to win the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Sesko’s endorsement isn’t just polite team talk; it comes on the back of a standout campaign from the Portuguese maestro. While many eyes are on goal scorers, Sesko points to Fernandes’ leadership and all-around influence as the defining factor in United’s push for glory this season. It’s a bold stance, especially given that Sesko himself has been making waves since joining the club.
A Tight Race for September Honors
To understand why Sesko is so vocal about Fernandes’ candidacy, you have to look at the numbers from earlier in the year. In September 2025, the internal competition at Old Trafford was fierce. Fernandes was named Manchester United Player of the Month, securing 37% of the vote.
But it wasn’t a walkover. Teammate Dorgu came incredibly close, finishing just two percentage points behind with 35%. Then there was Sesko, fresh off his maiden nomination, who landed in third place with 28% of the votes. This tight margin showed fans that multiple players were stepping up, but Fernandes’ consistency tipped the scales.
The highlight of that month? A masterclass against Chelsea. Fernandes didn’t just contribute; he dominated. He scored the opening goal in a tense 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, earning Man of the Match honors. That strike was particularly symbolic—it marked his 100th goal since arriving from Sporting CP. Century milestones don’t happen every day in football, and doing it against a direct rival like Chelsea adds a layer of prestige that voters couldn’t ignore.
Sesko’s Breakthrough Moment
While Fernandes was collecting assists and goals, Sesko was carving out his own narrative. The young forward won the Goal of the Month award for September 2025. His winner? A stunning maiden strike for the Red Devils.
Here’s the twist: that goal came in a defeat away at Brentford. Usually, losing doesn’t help your award chances, but the quality of the finish was undeniable. It signaled Sesko’s arrival and proved he could perform under pressure, even when the result wasn’t going his way. That performance sparked his first Player of the Month nomination, setting the stage for the current season-long conversation about form and fitness.
Camaraderie on the Pitch
The bond between the veteran captain and the rising star has become a talking point beyond just stats. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, photos emerged of Sesko and Fernandes standing side-by-side at the London Stadium after a Premier League fixture. Both were applauding the traveling supporters, a gesture that spoke volumes about their shared appreciation for the fanbase during a crucial part of the season.
Fast forward to Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Old Trafford. The atmosphere was electric as Sesko celebrated scoring Manchester United’s third goal. Standing nearby, watching the celebration with a smile, was Bruno Fernandes. These moments aren’t staged; they’re snapshots of genuine camaraderie. For a squad navigating the pressures of a title challenge, having that mutual respect between key figures is invaluable.
Why This Endorsement Matters
In the world of professional football, teammate endorsements can sway public opinion and, indirectly, voting committees. By backing Fernandes, Sesko is highlighting a specific type of value: leadership. Goals are tangible, but influence is harder to measure. Yet, without Fernandes’ orchestration, many of those goals—including Sesko’s—might never have happened.
Fernandes’ ability to drive the team forward, both tactically and emotionally, has made him a leading contender for the end-of-season honors. As the campaign progresses, the question isn’t just who scores the most goals, but who lifts the team when it matters most. Sesko believes the answer is clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Benjamin Sesko back for the Premier League Player of the Year?
Benjamin Sesko backed his Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, to win the Premier League Player of the Year award. He cited Fernandes' leadership, goal-scoring contributions, and overall influence on the team's performance throughout the season as key reasons for his support.
What achievement did Bruno Fernandes reach in September 2025?
In September 2025, Bruno Fernandes was named Manchester United's Player of the Month, receiving 37% of the vote. During this period, he also scored his 100th goal for the club since joining from Sporting CP, notably finding the net in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea where he earned Man of the Match honors.
How did Benjamin Sesko perform in the September 2025 awards?
Benjamin Sesko finished third in the Manchester United Player of the Month voting for September 2025 with 28% of the votes. Additionally, he won the Goal of the Month award for his first-ever goal for Manchester United, which came in a match against Brentford.
What is the significance of the relationship between Sesko and Fernandes?
The relationship highlights strong team cohesion and mutual respect. Public endorsements like Sesko’s support for Fernandes demonstrate unity within the squad. Their interactions, such as celebrating goals together or applauding fans, show a partnership that contributes positively to Manchester United's culture and performance on the pitch.
