Bruno Fernandes has added another major prize to his remarkable collection after being named the PFA Premier League Player of the Year. The Manchester United captain beat Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to the award, which is voted for by fellow professionals.
Fernandes enjoyed arguably his finest season since joining United from Sporting CP in 2020. He produced a record 21 Premier League assists and scored nine goals as United recovered from a difficult campaign to finish third.
The award also ends a long wait for United. Fernandes is the first player from the club to win the PFA men’s prize since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
“It is obviously a very proud moment,” Fernandes said. “They are the ones you go on the pitch against and it’s probably not easy to vote for someone you play against.”
That recognition carries extra weight because the vote comes from players who have faced Fernandes throughout the season. His influence was not limited to goals and assists, with the Portugal international again serving as the creative heartbeat and emotional leader of United’s midfield.
The 31-year-old has now passed 200 goal contributions for United in all competitions. He had already won the Football Writers’ Association and Premier League player of the year awards earlier in the summer, making this another significant chapter in his career.
There was also a breakthrough celebration for Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly. The 34-time league appearance-maker won the PFA Young Player of the Year award after a breakout campaign under Pep Guardiola.
“I had a great season. I’m very proud of the season I had,” O’Reilly said. “I won two trophies with my club and managed to play at the World Cup with my country. I’m over the moon how it turned out.”
Arsenal led the way in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year with five players, while City had four. Fernandes and Brentford’s Igor Thiago completed the line-up.
