Bruno Fernandes has established himself as one of the most reliable attacking midfielders in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) over the years. However, his performances this season have raised serious concerns, making him a risky investment right now for managers looking to maximise their points over the remainder of 2026.
With Manchester United struggling for consistency, a challenging fixture schedule ahead and Fernandes carrying a hefty £12.0m price tag, FPL managers may be better off looking elsewhere for their midfield reinforcements.
Bruno Fernandes' FPL Form Has Been Disappointing
Fernandes has been a shadow of his former self this season, failing to consistently impress in Manchester United's matches so far. His standout performance came against Ipswich, where he scored a hat-trick and provided an assist, demonstrating the explosive potential that has made him such a popular FPL asset.
However, that exceptional display has been the exception rather than the rule. Outside that game, the Portuguese midfielder has struggled to deliver the consistent performances and attacking returns that managers expect from a premium-priced player.
While Fernandes remains capable of producing big hauls thanks to his creativity, penalty-taking responsibilities and involvement in United's attacking play, FPL managers cannot afford to rely on isolated performances when more consistent alternatives are available.
At £12.0m, expectations are understandably high. Managers investing that much of their budget need regular returns, not occasional flashes of brilliance.
Manchester United's Poor Form Raises More Concerns
Another major reason to avoid Fernandes is Manchester United's disastrous form under Michael Carrick. The team has struggled to find consistency, raising questions about its ability to generate enough attacking opportunities to support premium FPL assets.
Fernandes' individual output is closely linked to United's overall performance. When the team struggles to control matches, create clear chances and maintain attacking momentum, his potential for goals, assists and bonus points inevitably suffers.
The concern is that United have already struggled during what appeared to be one of their easiest stretches of fixtures on paper in the first half of the season. If they cannot take advantage of favourable opportunities, there is little reason to assume their performances will automatically improve against tougher opposition.
Unless Carrick's side can turn things around and rediscover its winning form, Fernandes could continue to frustrate FPL managers throughout the coming months.
Manchester United's Upcoming Fixtures Could Get Even Tougher
United's upcoming schedule is another significant reason to reconsider Fernandes as an FPL option. Although their initial run of fixtures appeared relatively favourable, the majority of their remaining matches until the end of 2026 look considerably more challenging.
There are a few exceptions, including games against Coventry and Bournemouth, but the overall schedule offers little encouragement for managers hoping for a sustained run of attacking returns.
Facing stronger opposition could make it harder for United to dominate possession, create high-quality chances and consistently find the back of the net. That, in turn, could limit Fernandes' opportunities to deliver the double-digit hauls that justify his premium price.
The additional Champions League fixtures are another concern. European commitments could increase the demands on United's squad, potentially affecting player fitness, rotation and performance levels across domestic competitions.
With a demanding schedule approaching, investing heavily in a Manchester United midfielder who has yet to find consistent form could prove an expensive mistake.
Is Bruno Fernandes Worth £12.0m in FPL?
Ultimately, Fernandes' £12.0m price tag makes him a difficult player to justify for the remainder of 2026. While his potential remains undeniable, his current form, Manchester United's struggles and the challenging fixtures ahead create too many question marks.
FPL managers must consider opportunity cost when selecting premium players. Spending £12.0m on Fernandes means sacrificing funds that could be used to strengthen other positions or acquire midfielders from teams in better form.
Of course, Fernandes could silence his critics if United rediscover their confidence and start winning consistently. His history of delivering big FPL returns means he should never be completely written off.
However, until there are clear signs of improvement, avoiding Bruno Fernandes for the next few months could be the smarter FPL strategy. Managers should consider reallocating their funds to more reliable alternatives and monitor United's performances before revisiting the Portuguese midfielder.