"Not from Arsenal or City.".. Officially reveals England’s Player of the Year

Amazing choice

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been crowned Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year, a crowning reflection of an exceptional season for the Portuguese midfielder.

Exceptional numbers

Fernandes has scored eight goals and provided 20 assists in 34 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions this season and has been instrumental in the team’s improvement under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.

Manchester United are set to end the season without a trophy for the second year in a row, but they are on course to finish third in the Premier League and secure next season’s Champions League spot, an achievement that looked out of reach midway through the season.

The first player since Rooney

Fernandes became the first Manchester United player since Wayne Rooney in 2010 to win the Football Writers’ Association Men’s Award in recognition of his crucial contribution throughout the season.

The 31-year-old, who joined Manchester United from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon for £67.7m in January 2020, made his 300th appearance for the club earlier this season.

From suspicion to coronation

This landmark 2025-26 season came after Fernandez’s future at Old Trafford looked uncertain.

At the end of last season, club officials told the Portuguese they would not stand in his way if he wanted to accept a huge offer from Saudi club Al Hilal.

But Fernandez turned down the offer and later ignored interest from other European clubs to stay at Manchester United, a decision that has proved to be the right one this season.

A new decade on the horizon?

Fernandez’s contract, which expires in 2027, includes an option to extend for another year, and given his exceptional performances this season, it would be surprising if Manchester United did not offer a new deal, even if co-owner Jim Ratcliffe seeks to cut wage costs.

Last October, Fernandez said he would not discuss his future with any side until the next World Cup, indicating his full focus is on performing for his club.

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