Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United skipper wins major award | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes has already etched his name into Manchester United folklore since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020. The Portuguese maestro has aged like fine wine and defied expectations this season.

Fernandes’ impact at the Theatre of Dreams is evident by his winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award in 2020 despite playing only half a season. Since then, the former Sporting midfielder has been the Red Devils’ go-to man, the one-stop solution to all their creative woes.

No player has created more chances in the Premier League than the 31 year old since his arrival. Fernandes was also a rare shining light for United in former head coach Ruben Amorim’s underwhelming 14-month spell.

The Red Devils skipper adapted admirably to a deeper role earlier this season under the former Sporting manager. After Amorim lost his job and caretaker manager Michael Carrick was appointed in January, Fernandes was swiftly reinstated in a No. 10 role, and he has been on fire so far.

Fernandes’ record-breaking season

United struggled for consistency during the first half of the season under Amorim. Operating from a deeper role, Fernandes still managed to influence games, registering five goals and seven assists in 17 outings.

After returning to his natural position under Carrick, the Portuguese has turned up the heat and has now registered eight goals and 20 assists in 35 outings across all competitions.

Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Most importantly, he is on 19 assists in the Premier League, just one shy of the league record currently held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. The Portuguese has also created 124 chances in the Premier League this season – the highest ever recorded by a United player and the fourth-highest overall.

Fernandes’ efforts have now been recognised by his club team-mates, who have voted him for a prestigious award.

United Players’ Player of the Season

Fernandes has won the United Players’ Player of the Season award for the second season running, the club have announced. The award was decided by the first-team squad by a confidential ballot held at Carrington.

The Portuguese also won the award last year and is the fifth Red Devils player to have lifted it on more than one occasion. Cristiano Ronaldo (2007, 2008), Antonio Valencia (2012, 2017) and Luke Shaw (2019, 2020) have also won it twice since it was introduced in 2006.

Former goalkeeper David De Gea remains the only player to have won it a record four times (2014, 2015, 2018 and 2022). Diogo Dalot was adjudged the winner in 2024 and is the only other member of the current squad to have lifted the prestigious award.

Final Thoughts

Fernandes has already won the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award, and is the frontrunner for the Premier League Player of the Year as well. The United skipper’s contract expires in just over 12 months, but recent reports suggest that he is in line for a renewal. As the Red Devils prepare for a highly anticipated season, one can expect more fireworks from the Portuguese Magnifico.

Featured image by Michael Regan/Getty Images

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