Bruno Fernandes has been crowned Premier League Player of the Season after a campaign defined by creativity, consistency, and record-equalling brilliance. The Manchester United captain delivered a season that blended goals, assists, and leadership as he guided United into the Champions League places. It is a landmark moment in a career that continues to grow in influence.
Fernandes beat off strong competition from Arsenal trio David Raya, Gabriel, and Declan Rice, as well as Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Igor Thiago. It is his first time winning the award and makes him only the seventh Manchester United player in history to receive the honour.
The Portugal international has produced a remarkable 20 assists this season with a game to go, matching the Premier League record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. He has also added eight goals, underlining his dual impact as both creator and scorer in a United side that finished third and secured Champions League qualification.
His influence goes beyond numbers. Fernandes has created 132 chances, more than any other player in the league, and has consistently carried United through tight moments. One final league match against Brighton still offers the chance to break the all-time assist record outright.
The award also strengthens Fernandes’ growing collection of individual honours. He recently won the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award, confirming widespread recognition of his impact across the season.
Yet not all the conversation around him has been positive. Former United captain Roy Keane questioned the focus on individual records during the campaign. “When you’re the captain of a club and you’re supposed to be driving the club forward, do not be getting bogged down by just your role in the team, just assists,” he said.
Keane added further criticism after a recent match. “The whole chat about his assists… Everyone, the players were talking about it, the game was about his assists,” he said. His comments sparked debate over leadership standards at Old Trafford.
Despite the scrutiny, Fernandes has remained central to United’s resurgence under their coaching structure. The club has stabilised results, secured European qualification, and found a clearer attacking identity built around his vision and passing range.
Elsewhere, Manchester City celebrated their own rising star as Nico O’Reilly claimed the Young Player of the Season award. The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign with 34 league appearances, five goals, and three assists across multiple roles.
O’Reilly’s rise has been rapid. A product of City’s academy since the age of eight, he has grown into a trusted option for Pep Guardiola, operating both in midfield and at left-back. His performances earned him a first England call-up and a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
His standout moment came in cup competition, where he scored twice in a Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal. That versatility and composure under pressure made him the clear standout among a strong group of young nominees.
Together, Fernandes and O’Reilly represent two different stages of Premier League excellence. One is the established leader at his peak, the other a rising force still shaping his future.
