Bruno Fernandes: Benjamin Sesko backs the Manchester United captain to win Premier League Player of the Season award

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko has backed Bruno Fernandes to win the Premier League Player of the Year award while also lauding his captain's influence.

Fernandes is among the favourites to pick up the award after an outstanding campaign for United. The 31-year-old has 18 assists in the Premier League this season, just two behind the record for a single campaign in the top-flight since 1992.

Four of Sesko's nine Premier League goals during his debut campaign in England have been assisted by Fernandes. Sesko says he's grateful for the opportunity to be around his captain.

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"I'm also getting a lot of instructions from Bruno," Sesko told Sky Sports.

"Every single training, after training, sometimes before training. Whatever he tells you, just do it, don't think twice. And that's what I said. I'm really grateful to have this opportunity to be around him."

Pressed further as to whether he thinks Fernandes should win Premier League Player of the Season, Sesko added: "He's great. He's my team-mate. And of course, always stand up [for my team-mates], yeah, he should win it."

United are edging closer to securing a return to the Champions League, with six points likely to be enough to finish in the top five.

It's a run that has filled Sesko with a lot of confidence and he believes his side have the capacity to win big trophies.

"I think we did great. Still, some games left, but I think we're doing great. We have a great spirit in the team. I'm learning a lot from the experience. We are here, great players, great coaching staff.

"I would like to really achieve some trophies here. I think there would be something that we just can't forget it, life at all. And of course, we need to do a lot for it, but I believe we have the capacity to do that."

Bruno is thriving because of 'freedom', says Carrick

United's interim boss discussed the secret behind Fernandes' form when talking ahead of his side's Monday Night Football clash at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports. Fernandes has three goals and nine assists since Carrick's return to the club.

"I think we've given Bruno [Fernandes] the platform to go and perform like all the players," Carrick said during his press conference.

"I think we're trying to create the structure and a team set up to try and bring out the best of everyone within that. There are obviously limitations, in terms of everyone has to sacrifice a little bit for the good of the team, but for me, I like seeing Bruno in attacking positions with a little bit of freedom.

"He obviously, again, plays for the team, and he has big responsibility within that.

"And I thought he did that ever so well, especially on Saturday, without the ball and the defensive work that he did.

"So he's got big responsibility within that, but trusting him, trusting him, you know, he's a very good player. He sees things; he's creative. He's got a really good brain. He's a big part of the group as well, and a big influence.

"So a lot of it's in trust and trying to put him in a position where we think he can make the biggest difference, really, about the various qualities that he's got."

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