Bruno Fernandes has received another major recognition for his outstanding performances last season, winning the Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year award. The Manchester United captain was rewarded after an impressive campaign in which his creativity and influence played a central role in the club’s resurgence.
Fernandes produced nine goals and a remarkable 21 assists last season. His contribution proved crucial as Manchester United recovered strongly under Michael Carrick and finished third in the Premier League, securing a return to the Champions League.
The 31-year-old Portugal international had already been recognised as the Premier League’s Player of the Season for his performances. Winning the PFA award, however, carries a different significance because it is voted for by fellow professional footballers.
Fernandes has now become only the second Portuguese player to win the prestigious PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. The first was Cristiano Ronaldo, who claimed the honour in consecutive years in 2007 and 2008 during his hugely successful spell at Old Trafford.
The award also adds to Manchester United’s remarkable record in the individual prize. Fernandes is the 12th United player to receive the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, the highest number for any club in England and Wales.
His revival under Carrick was another important part of the story. Carrick gave greater attacking freedom to United’s four forward players, allowing Fernandes to operate with more flexibility and influence in the final third. The midfielder responded by becoming a key source of both goals and chances.
Fernandes joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2020 and has since established himself as one of the club’s most influential players. According to the figures provided, he has scored 110 goals and supplied 106 assists in 314 appearances for United. That gives him 200 direct goal involvements for the club.
In the Premier League era, only Wayne Rooney reached 200 goal involvements for Manchester United in fewer appearances, achieving the mark in 295 matches. Fernandes’ numbers underline the consistency of his contribution since arriving at Old Trafford.
The PFA Team of the Year was dominated by Arsenal and Manchester City. Five players came from Premier League champions Arsenal, while four represented runners-up Manchester City. Fernandes was the only Manchester United player included, with Brentford’s Igor Thiago completing the line-up.
PFA Team of the Year
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | David Raya | Arsenal |
| Defence | Gabriel Magalhães | Arsenal |
| Defence | Nico O’Reilly | Manchester City |
| Defence | William Saliba | Arsenal |
| Defence | Jurriën Timber | Arsenal |
| Midfield | Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United |
| Midfield | Declan Rice | Arsenal |
| Midfield | Rayan Cherki | Manchester City |
| Attack | Erling Haaland | Manchester City |
| Attack | Antoine Semenyo | Manchester City |
| Attack | Igor Thiago | Brentford |
For Fernandes, the award represents more than an individual achievement. Following in Ronaldo’s footsteps as only the second Portuguese winner places him in a distinguished chapter of both Manchester United and Portuguese football history. His challenge now will be to carry that form and leadership into another demanding season as United return to the Champions League.
