Fernandes crowned FWA Footballer of the Year
Hope
Bruno Fernandes has been named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year, becoming the first Manchester United player in 16 years to win the prestigious accolade.
The Portuguese midfielder is the first United player to receive the award since Wayne Rooney won it in 2010, following what has been regarded as one of Fernandes’ strongest seasons at Old Trafford.
Fernandes has scored eight league goals and registered 19 assists this season, leaving him one assist short of matching the Premier League single-season assist record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
The United captain has played a key role in helping the club secure UEFA Champions League qualification with three league matches remaining. He has featured in 32 of the club’s 35 league fixtures, missing only three matches due to a hamstring injury earlier in the campaign.
According to the FWA voting results, Erling Haaland finished third in the poll, while votes were also cast for Declan Rice who finished second, while David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães and Bukayo Saka also received votes.
Reports indicate Fernandes won the award by a margin of 28 votes. No other Manchester United player reportedly received votes from FWA members.
Fernandes is also expected to be a leading contender for a fifth Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, which would make him one of the club’s most decorated modern-era players alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea.
Last year, United were reportedly open to offers for Fernandes amid interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, but former coach Ruben Amorim is said to have convinced the midfielder to remain at the club.
Manchester United have significantly improved this season after finishing 15th in the previous campaign, with the team currently sitting third in the Premier League standings.
