He possesses an abundance of talent, a winning mentality, accountability and the inevitability to deliver when his side needs him the most - the complete package in one player. Whilst his arm waving and on-field antics might frustrate some, others see a man in a league of his own at a club crowded with mediocrity.
So when former Manchester United captain Roy Keane criticised Fernandes' leadership skills and performances on The Overlap podcast, it undermined everything Fernandes has done and continues to do for the club. Is the Portuguese international the perfect captain? No, he isn't but then again why should he be?
If Fernandes played for a club with just one experienced leader who relished the role of club captain then he would be just another player.
Fernandes' main problem is he has had to step up in the absence of leaders and take on a role which shouldn't have been his responsibility.
Fernandes does possess some excellent traits as a captain; he leads by example, his work rate is remarkable and he takes responsibility after a dark day at the office.
His arm waving and sulking does come across as a bit counter-productive but you must also understand how frustrating it has to be for him to play alongside teammates with such low football IQ.
The creative midfielder might benefit from focusing on his game and doing what he does best: create and score goals.
However, as any great captain does, Fernandes has stepped up for his side and wears the weight of responsibility that comes with the armband.
The Portuguese also has a rare humility for a player of his quality and always fronts up to his poor performances.
When Fernandes was questioned about Keane's comments, his answer tells you everything about the man.
"It's not nice to hear those things about you, I think no one likes that. But at the same time, it motivates and makes you think people think there are a lot of things you have to improve.
"You have to take it in a positive way and think whatever people are saying, if there's a margin for improvement or not. I know you're talking about Roy Keane. I have huge respect for Roy Keane.
"I think he was one of the best captains the club had. An amazing player for the club, won basically everything for this club.
"It's the way he thinks about me as a player, as a captain. I have to respect that. I try to do things in my own way to be not only the best captain but also person and teammate as I can. I do it every day.
"I try to be an example in everything I do in the training sessions, on the pitch.
"But obviously, not everyone will like (it), not everyone will think in the same way, and I respect every opinion of everyone. I have to accept there is a lot of margin for improvement in my game and my leadership."
Fernandes could have handled that question in many different ways but he decided to be respectful whilst showcasing his desire to learn and improve as a player and as a captain. You can tell how much Keane's comments hurt him but he stood tall and took the criticism on board and used it as motivation.
He has evidently taken motivation from Keane's harsh words, as ever since Fernandes' form has been incredible. United's captain has started to look like the player who first joined the club with a hunger to score goals and an uncanny ability to come up clutch in the hour of need.
Take his goals against Fulham, Arsenal and Real Sociedad as prime examples of this. His goal against Fulham was both brilliant and vital as it forced the game into extra-time in a situation where United had created next to nothing.
His goal against Arsenal gave United a shock lead again against the run of play and it was another exquisite finish. Finally, his brace from the penalty spot against Sociedad was the easiest two to score but also the most important. Fernandes isn't one to crumble under pressure.
The 'Portuguese Magnifico' has come into his own at a vital stage of the season with Ruben Amorim's men in with a slim shot of winning the Europa League. And if Manchester United continue to find their feet under Amorim, expect Fernandes to be at the forefront of everything.
If that isn't good leadership then I don't know what it is.
Perhaps it is time for Fernandes' teammates to step up and help deliver him the Champions League football he deserves. Because United would be lost without their captain and if they missed out on European football next season, Fernandes would be within his rights to seek a new challenge.
For all the goal involvements and reputation as one of the best in his position, it would feel like a waste of talent if Fernandes retired without a cabinet stacked with trophies.