Bruno Fernandes Named FWA Footballer of the Year After Outstanding Season for Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for the 2025/26 Premier League season following an exceptional campaign with Manchester United.

The Portuguese midfielder secured the prestigious honour ahead of Declan Rice of Arsenal and Erling Haaland of Manchester City after playing a pivotal role in United’s impressive domestic campaign.

Fernandes has been instrumental in guiding Manchester United to third place in the Premier League table, combining creativity, leadership and consistency throughout the season.

Outstanding Numbers in a Remarkable Campaign

The United captain has registered 19 league assists so far this season, leaving him just one short of equalling the Premier League’s single-season assist record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

Henry set the record with 20 assists during the 2002/03 campaign for Arsenal, while De Bruyne matched the achievement for Manchester City in the 2019/20 season.

With three league fixtures still remaining, Fernandes now has a strong opportunity to surpass the historic milestone.

In addition to his creativity, the Portuguese international has also contributed eight league goals, further underlining his importance to Erik ten Hag’s side during the current campaign.

First Manchester United Winner Since Wayne Rooney

Fernandes becomes the first Manchester United player to win the FWA Footballer of the Year award since Wayne Rooney claimed the honour during the 2009/10 season.

His performances this year have earned widespread praise from pundits, supporters and football writers alike, with many highlighting his influence both on and off the pitch.

As club captain, Fernandes has emerged as the driving force behind United’s resurgence, helping restore the club’s competitiveness in both domestic and European competition.

Recognition for a Defining Season

The award represents another major milestone in Fernandes’ Manchester United career and further cements his status as one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders.

With the season entering its final stages, Fernandes will now aim to help Manchester United finish strongly while potentially rewriting the Premier League assist record books before the campaign concludes.