By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the Men’s Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players’ Player of the Year following an outstanding campaign for the Red Devils.
The Portuguese midfielder received the prestigious honour during the PFA Awards ceremony held on Tuesday at The Opera House on Quay Street, beating five other leading Premier League players to the individual prize.
Fernandes, 31, was shortlisted alongside Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Declan Rice, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and Rayan Cherki.
The award represents another major recognition for Fernandes, who has enjoyed one of the most impressive individual seasons of his Manchester United career.
The United captain has already collected the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award and the Premier League Player of the Season prize.
He was also named the Premier League Playmaker of the Season after producing a record-breaking 21 assists during the campaign. His tally surpassed Thierry Henry’s previous record of 20 assists, set during the 2002/03 Premier League season.
In addition to his remarkable creativity, Fernandes contributed nine goals as Manchester United finished third in the Premier League. The position represented the club’s best league finish in three years.
His consistent performances also earned him the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for the third consecutive season. He has equally been recognised by his teammates as Manchester United’s Players’ Player of the Year for the past two seasons.
Fernandes’ success was further underlined by his inclusion in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
The team featured David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Nico O’Reilly, Declan Rice, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo, Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago alongside Fernandes.
Earlier in the evening, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was unable to claim the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
That honour went to Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly, who emerged ahead of Cherki, Bournemouth youngster Junior Kroupi, Arsenal teenager Max Dowman and Liverpool prospect Rio Ngumoha.
For Fernandes, however, the evening ended on a high as his performances throughout the season were recognised by his fellow professional footballers.
The award further strengthens his status as one of the leading midfielders in English football and highlights the influential role he continues to play as Manchester United captain.
With another major individual honour added to his collection, Fernandes will now look ahead to the new season hoping to build on his impressive performances and help Manchester United challenge for even greater honours.
By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
