Portugal manager Roberto Martinez thinks people don’t give Bruno Fernandes enough credit for what he’s done at Manchester United. Fernandes, now 31, has really driven United’s push for a top-four spot ever since Michael Carrick stepped in as interim manager.

Fernandes almost left for Saudi Arabia, and honestly, United fans should be glad he didn’t. He’s now in the last 18 months of his contract, so no one really knows what’s coming next.

Here’s the thing: Fernandes has scored 104 goals and set up 99 more in 316 games for United. Even with numbers like that, he’s still become a target for criticism. Martinez, who’ll coach Fernandes at this summer’s World Cup, doesn’t think that’s fair at all.

Talking on The Overlap, Martinez said, “He gets judged way too harshly. Honestly, being the captain of Manchester United these past few years must be brutal. What I really respect is that he never hides, no matter what’s going on, he’s always there. I’m not saying he always makes the perfect pass or play, but he’s always in the thick of it. He’s the leader. He’s emotional, but his teammates respect that.”

Martinez went on, “When Bruno gets upset, his teammates notice. It’s not just empty emotion. That’s what sets him apart.”

Gary Neville asked Martinez if Fernandes’ emotional side actually helps the team. Martinez replied, “For Bruno, the emotion means something. Some players get emotional just because that’s how they are, but with Bruno, it’s a signal that something’s off, and he wants it fixed. He always looks out for his teammates. He’d never let anyone down. What really stands out is how consistent he is. Last season, he played more minutes than anyone else in Europe. Being United’s captain during a rough patch and still always showing up, that’s not easy. But Bruno does it.”

This season, Fernandes has racked up six goals and thirteen assists in 26 games across all competitions. That’s impressive, especially since he spent most of the season playing deeper under Ruben Amorim. Since Carrick took over, Fernandes has played every minute, adding four assists and one goal to his tally.

Jamie Carragher can’t say enough good things about Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United’s big signing under Ruben Amorim. In fact, Carragher called Mbeumo “one of the best” in the Premier League this season.

United splashed out over £200 million in Amorim’s last transfer window, bringing in Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Senne Lammens. All four have made their mark, especially during the team’s recent hot streak under caretaker boss Michael Carrick, who stepped in after Amorim left last month.

Mbeumo and Cunha have quickly become real threats up front, and Sesko just can’t stop scoring, with six goals in seven games since Amorim’s exit. Lammens, meanwhile, has settled in as United’s new No. 1 after his £18 million move from Royal Antwerp. He looks like a smart bit of business.

The turnaround has been dramatic. United have picked up 16 points out of a possible 18 under Carrick, rocketing into the Champions League spots. This, from a team that finished way down in 15th last season.

Carragher, the Liverpool legend, has loved watching United’s revival, and he keeps coming back to Mbeumo as a standout. On Sky Sports, he said, “Bryan Mbeumo came in as almost a right-winger or a right-sided forward in Amorim’s system, and I was surprised to see him go through the middle. But for me, he’s been one of the best signings in the Premier League this season. He just fits Manchester United.”

He added, “Gary Neville always talks about what a United player should be, and honestly, Mbeumo looks the part. He’s got the power and pace to drive you up the pitch, and he’s clinical too. He’s been fantastic, whether he’s leading the line or out wide.”

Neville himself is a big fan, calling Mbeumo “a really solid signing.” He even suggested Arsenal and Chelsea missed a trick by not snapping him up. On the Stick to Football podcast, Neville said, “Looking at it now, Mbeumo probably would have been better for Chelsea and Arsenal than some of the players they signed. Joao Pedro’s been decent, but Mbeumo would have been a sensation for Arsenal. He’s just a good signing for United. I like him a lot.”

Ian Wright agrees and admitted he was “gutted” Mbeumo didn’t end up at Arsenal. “He always looks dangerous,” Wright said. “Absolutely, he would have made Arsenal stronger.”

United just edged out Everton 1-0 on Monday night and are gearing up to face Crystal Palace next. After the win, Carrick said, “We had to work for it. Credit to Everton; they made it tough and forced us to defend our box a lot. The way we dug in was top class. Keeping a clean sheet is fantastic. We know we can play better, but it’s satisfying to come away from home and get the win.”