Juan Mata Hopes Bruno Fernandes Has A Solid 2025-26 Campaign
- Think Football Ideas
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Former Red Says His Close Friend Is Vital To United’s Present And Future
Juan Mata may now be thousands of miles away in Australia, but his heart remains at Old Trafford, especially when it comes to his friend and successor, Bruno Fernandes.
The Spanish midfielder, who wore United’s no.8 shirt for nearly a decade, was recently back in Manchester for the ‘Football City, Art United’ exhibition, which he co-curated. And while art was the subject, football was never far from his thoughts, particularly the club he still holds dear.
Mata Watched The Europa League Final From Down Under
Speaking to MUTV, Mata revealed he watched United’s heartbreaking Europa League final defeat to Tottenham from Australia, where he now plays for Western Sydney Wanderers. Despite the time zone difference, he was glued to the action and gutted by the result.
"Everyone was really excited about the final... and I was as sad as everyone with the final result," he admitted.
The 1-0 defeat to Spurs capped off a miserable 2024-25 campaign for United, who finished 15th in the Premier League, their lowest league finish in decades under Ruben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag a few months earlier.
The Bruno Bond Runs Deep
Mata and Fernandes go beyond being former teammates, they’re close friends. And while Bruno has taken over the No. 8 shirt at United, the Spaniard handed over his support.
"I love Bruno. We speak a lot," Mata said. "When things are not going well, that’s when I try to be there for him."
Setting The Bar High For 2025-26
Mata isn’t shy about what he hopes to see from Fernandes this season: “I really hope that, next season, he scores 40 goals and gets 40 assists, and is the MVP of the league!”
That’s a big ask, but if anyone can aim high, it’s Bruno. The Portuguese playmaker was United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in 2024-25 and is nearing a personal milestone. With 98 goals for the Red Devils, he’s just one behind United's former captain and legend, Bryan Robson.
The 29-year-old rejected a move to Al Hilal earlier this summer and is expected back at Carrington next week to begin pre-season under Amorim.
Eyes On The Opener
All eyes will be on Bruno as United kick off their 2025-26 campaign against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 17 August. And if Mata’s confidence in his friend is anything to go by, United fans have every reason to be hopeful.
“I think he’s instrumental for the present and for the future of the club,” Mata concluded.
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