Sophia
Manchester United’s Portuguese maestro, Bruno Fernandes, recently celebrated his 200th Premier League appearance in spectacular fashion against Chelsea. This significant milestone invites a compelling comparison with two Old Trafford legends: Paul Scholes and David Beckham. While Fernandes operates in a different era for the Red Devils, his impact has been undeniable, prompting many to ponder where he stands among the club’s greats.
Since his arrival from Sporting CP in early 2020, Fernandes has been a constant figure through turbulent times at Old Trafford. His unwavering commitment and willingness to shoulder responsibility have earned him immense admiration, even from former United stalwarts. Paul Scholes once lauded Fernandes as “better” than himself, while David Beckham described the current captain as “exceptional,” urging the club not to sell him.
Fernandes marked his 200th Premier League game by scoring the opener in Saturday’s crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea, a goal that also represented his 100th for Manchester United across all competitions. This achievement places him in an elite group as only the third Red Devils midfielder to reach a century of goals for the club. With this landmark reached, let’s delve into how his statistics stack up against two iconic midfielders after their first 200 Premier League outings.
Big result and performance 💪🏼
Very happy to make my 200th appearance in the @premierleague and score my 100th goal for the club 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/TtTVce8cyR
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) September 20, 2025
Goalscoring Prowess: Fernandes vs. Scholes & Beckham
Fernandes, renowned for his powerful strikes and penalty-taking ability, has notched 64 Premier League goals in his 200 appearances. A notable aspect of his scoring record is the reliance on penalties, with 22 of his goals coming from the spot. This highlights his role as the team’s designated penalty taker, a crucial responsibility in modern football.
Paul Scholes, a legend in his own right, had 47 goals after 200 Premier League outings. While Scholes finished his illustrious career with 155 goals, his early career saw him used less relentlessly than Fernandes, with 52 of his first 200 appearances coming off the bench. Initially a dynamic box-crasher, Scholes later evolved into a deep-lying playmaker, altering his goalscoring frequency.
David Beckham, known for his spectacular long-range efforts and set-piece mastery, registered 44 goals in his first 200 Premier League games. Similar to Fernandes, Beckham benefited from set-pieces, with 10 of his goals coming directly from free-kicks, showcasing his exceptional dead-ball ability.
Creative Force: Assists Breakdown
In terms of assists, Fernandes has proven to be a prolific creator, tallying 51 assists in his 200 Premier League matches. This places him second only to David Beckham among this trio.
Beckham, with an impressive 62 assists, was arguably one of the finest crossers of a football the Premier League has ever seen. Operating primarily from the right wing, his pinpoint deliveries were a constant threat, providing numerous opportunities for strikers like Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham, and Dwight Yorke.
Scholes, on the other hand, recorded just 26 assists in his first 200 Premier League appearances. While possessing an incredible passing range, directly teeing up teammates was never his primary role, especially as he transitioned into a deeper midfield position later in his career.
Trophy Cabinet: A Striking Contrast
While Fernandes holds his own statistically against Beckham and Scholes in individual metrics, the true disparity lies in team silverware. The current Manchester United era has been a stark contrast to the dominant years of Sir Alex Ferguson.
By the time David Beckham reached his 200th Premier League appearance in 2001, he had already celebrated four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the iconic 1999 Champions League triumph. Paul Scholes, similarly, had five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the 1999 Champions League to his name at the same stage.
Fernandes, despite leading United to second and third-place finishes in the Premier League, is yet to inspire a title challenge. He has, however, secured an FA Cup and a League Cup, showcasing his contribution to the club’s recent successes. While these trophies are significant, they underscore the challenge of competing for the ultimate prize in a highly competitive league.
The Verdict: A Modern Great in a Different Era
Bruno Fernandes’s first 200 Premier League appearances solidify his status as a modern Manchester United superstar. His individual statistics, particularly his goal contributions, stand up remarkably well against two of the club’s most celebrated midfielders. However, the stark difference in team accolades highlights the contrasting eras in which these players operated. Fernandes has been a beacon of consistency and leadership in a period of transition for United, often carrying the burden of expectation on his shoulders.
While he may not boast the same trophy haul as Scholes and Beckham at this stage of their careers, Fernandes’s individual brilliance and unwavering commitment have made him an indispensable figure at Old Trafford. His legacy will undoubtedly be defined by both his remarkable statistics and his role in guiding Manchester United back to consistent success. For a deeper dive into his career, you can explore more about Bruno Fernandes’s stats and impact.
Bruno Fernandes Premier League Stats Compared to David Beckham & Paul Scholes After 200 Premier League Appearances
| Statistics | Bruno Fernandes | David Beckham | Paul Scholes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 31 | 25 | 26 |
| Starts | 196 | 183 | 148 |
| Minutes | 17,294 | 16,452 | 13,369 |
| Goals | 64 | 44 | 47 |
| Assists | 51 | 62 | 26 |
| Titles | 0 | 4 | 5 |
