March saw a disjointed schedule of domestic action, as FA Cup and European games left us with just 2 round of fixtures in the league before the final international break of the season. As a result, we had limited league action to pick out our POTM from, however one standout individual shone across various competitions.

This months NextGoalWinner player of the month winner is a player who has been involved in 57% of his clubs 14 goals this month, bagging more goals than games for his club across all competitions. Although they saw a chance at domestic silverware come crashing down, the European dream remains alive, and some signs of progress to be hopeful for in the league performances.

Bruno Fernandes has been a standout among the disappointments for Manchester United in recent years, but especially in 2025 he seems to be the one player capable of reaching the levels expected week-in, week-out. Ruben Amorim has a player built with a similar mould to that of United players of old. Pushing to show leadership on the pitch, holding players to account to a high level on the pitch, although often leading to tantrums which has perhaps altered his view from some corners of the United fanbase. In March however, there was no doubt of the Portuguese midfielders quality as he bagged 6 goals and 2 assists across United’s 5 games in the month across all competitions, plus 2 full games in the Nations League against Denmark to round off the month. With a dominant display helping United to feel some brief momentum behind the team, he’s more than worthy of the award this month.

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Match By Match

March 9th: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal – Following United’s disappointment of exiting the FA Cup on a penalty shootout loss to Fulham in which Fernandes got United’s only goal in the game to send it to extra time and penalties, and the following Europa League last 16 1st leg draw against Real Sociedad, United returned to Old Trafford for their first of 2 league games as a tough tie against Arsenal actually saw United put on a strong showing. Fernandes was once again responsible for dragging his team through the key moments, and his superb free-kick seconds before half-time meant Arsenal were on the back foot going into the break. Although Rice brought them level in the second 45, United came away the more satisfied given the performance. Fernandes was a standout in this game, getting the goal, producing 100% shot accuracy, and really driving his team to maintain a high level as Arsenal worked back into things. His 7.7/10 FotMob rating perhaps seems on the harsher side, but with the game locked at 1-1 it seems fair overall.

March 16th: Leicester City 0-3 Manchester United – Sandwiched between the 2 Premier League outings for United, they hosted Sociedad for their round of 16 second leg, in which Fernandes truly showed his skills. Getting 3 of United’s 4 goals on the night, his prolific finishing from the spot pushed United into the quarter-finals and showed a level of performance which has been lacking in recent years. This quality carried over to the final game before the international break as Fernandes played a role in all 3 of United’s goals, setting up the finished for Hojlund and Garnacho, and adding the third in himself. With back to back 9.8/10 and 9.6/10 FotMob ratings, Fernandes went into international duty with Portugal at the very top level we’ve come to expect of him in the midst of a disappointing environment at Manchester United.