Bruno Fernandes wins PFA Players’ Player of the Year after record assist season

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year after producing 21 assists in the Premier League last season, the highest total recorded in a single campaign.

The 31-year-old Portugal international becomes only the second Portuguese player to receive the prestigious English award, following Cristiano Ronaldo.

Fernandes was chosen ahead of a shortlist featuring Manchester City pair Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, as well as Arsenal players Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya and Declan Rice.

The award is voted for by fellow professional footballers, giving it particular significance for Fernandes because the voters are players he regularly faces on the pitch.

“Obviously, it means a lot,” said the Portugal playmaker to reporters.

“Voted by the players, the ones I step on the pitch to play against every weekend. A different meaning to the other ones that I have got. I am very proud of this one, and it is a very grateful moment for me.

“My dream was not to be a professional footballer. It was to play football for life and, in doing this, have opportunities to represent so many clubs, my national team and to be included with the best in these types of awards is something I would never have imagined.”

Fernandes joined Manchester United from Sporting CP and has since made 328 appearances for the club.

During that time, he has scored 107 goals and supplied 108 assists. His honours with Manchester United include the FA Cup and the EFL Cup, giving him two trophies during his time at the club.

His latest recognition comes after a campaign in which his creative output set a new Premier League benchmark. The 21 assists recorded by the midfielder were the most by any player in a single Premier League season.

Fernandes’ success also adds his name to a short list of Portuguese winners of the PFA’s top individual award. Ronaldo was the previous player from Portugal to claim the honour, making Fernandes the second from his country to do so.

The result reflects the standing Fernandes has established among his fellow professionals since moving to Manchester United. His combination of goals and assists has made him a central figure for the club, while his performances for Portugal have also contributed to his international reputation.

The PFA award is the latest individual acknowledgement of the midfielder’s influence, with his selection decided by the players who competed against him throughout the season.