Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the Football Writers’ Association’s men’s Footballer of the Year.
The midfielder has been recognised after scoring eight goals and providing 20 assists in 34 games across all competitions for the Red Devils this season.
Fernandes joined Manchester United from Sporting in January 2020.
Key Role in United’s Form
The Portugal international has played a key role in United’s upturn in form under interim boss Michael Carrick. United are on course to finish third in the Premier League and secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
Fernandes is the first United player to win the FWA men’s award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
An impressive 2025-26 campaign has come after his future at Old Trafford had appeared uncertain.
Fernandes’ Commitment to United
At the end of last season, club officials told Fernandes they would not stand in his way if he wanted to accept a huge offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
Fernandes rejected it and then dismissed subsequent interest from other teams in Europe to remain with United.
It is understood Fernandes’ contract, which expires in 2027, has the option of an additional year.
Fernandes said in October last year he will not discuss his future with anyone until after the upcoming World Cup.
United’s Push for Fernandes
There is no doubt Manchester United have given Bruno Fernandes a push to get this award.
United have been playing up Fernandes’ claims and also ensured the Portugal playmaker was promoted through some recent media engagements.
However, this would have been pointless had Fernandes not delivered at a time in the season when United needed him to deliver.
Since returning from a rare injury against Burnley, Sunday’s victory over Liverpool was only the third match out of 16 in all competitions when Fernandes has not either scored a goal or created one.
His performances across the season have been consistently high and worthy of wider recognition.
Given his performances this season, it would be remarkable if United do not come up with a new deal, even if co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is trying to drive down wage costs.
That they have achieved it with three matches to spare and could yet end the campaign nearer in points terms to the eventual champions than in any other season since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement 13 years ago, owes a huge amount to Fernandes.