A Season to Remember for Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has claimed the Premier League player of the season award, surpassing Declan Rice, who was a strong contender after an outstanding campaign. The Manchester United star delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come, matching the assist record of 20 set by Thierry Henry in the 2002/03 season and later matched by Kevin De Bruyne in 2019/20.
Fernandes could still break the record on the final day of the season when United face Brighton, with the team already securing third place in the league table. His achievements this season have been remarkable, as he has not only equaled but also potentially surpassed previous records.
Key Competitors and Recognition
The main competition for the award came from Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, whose role in helping the Gunners end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title was pivotal. However, Fernandes has managed to edge out Rice, earning additional recognition as the Football Writers’ Association’s men’s footballer of the year—making him the first Manchester United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
Fernandes has also scored eight Premier League goals this season, contributing a total of 28 goal contributions across 37 games. These efforts were crucial in guiding Manchester United to Champions League qualification, a feat that seemed improbable when Ruben Amorim was sacked in January, leaving the club in sixth place.
Despite the challenges, Fernandes consistently performed at a high level, and his leadership helped the team rise up the table under Michael Carrick, who has been appointed as the permanent manager beyond the end of the season.
Carrick’s Role and Fernandes’ Support
This development has been welcomed by Fernandes, who expressed his confidence in Carrick’s ability to transform Manchester United into title contenders during the FWA awards. “I hope he’s one that can take us back to the top of the Premier League because this is what all the players want,” he said.
Fernandes was part of an eight-man shortlist that included Arsenal’s Gabriel and David Raya, Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo, Brentford striker Igor Thiago, and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
Young Talent Recognized
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly was named the Premier League young player of the season following a breakthrough campaign that earned him a spot in England’s World Cup squad. As an academy product, O’Reilly made a significant impact this season, breaking into Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up predominantly as a left-back and occasionally operating in midfield.
He has made 34 league appearances this season, with 29 starts, scoring five goals and providing three assists. “I’m very proud to have won this award,” he said. “After my first appearances in senior football last season, I knew this year I could have the opportunity to play more and help the team as much as possible if I worked hard.”
O’Reilly added, “To get so many minutes and earn the trust of the manager and my teammates has been the greatest achievement in my career so far. I am so grateful to my family and everyone at City because this wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
