Premier League announces August nominees for Player and Manager of the Month awards

The Premier League has announced the nominees for its Player of the Month and Manager of the Month awards for August 2026, with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes included after scoring a hat-trick in the opening weeks of the 2026-27 season.

Fernandes is among eight players shortlisted for the individual award following their performances in the first two matches of the campaign. The other nominees are Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, midfielder Rayan Cherki, Chelsea pair Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, Brentford midfielder Mamadou Sangare, Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa.

The four managers nominated are Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, Xabi Alonso of Chelsea, Enzo Maresca of Manchester City and Sergej Jakirovic of Hull City.

Fernandes produced the most eye-catching individual display of the group in Manchester United’s second match, scoring three times in 28 minutes against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford. He also created Bryan Mbeumo’s 82nd-minute goal as United completed a 5-2 victory.

The Portugal international has been one of the standout performers since the new season began, with his contribution against Ipswich placing him among the leading candidates for the monthly prize.

Calafiori has also made a strong start for Arsenal from the left-back position. His attacking runs on the overlap have caused problems for opposing defences, while he has also contributed defensively.

The Italy international provided the assist for Kai Havertz in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Coventry. He then created Bukayo Saka’s goal in the 1-0 win against Aston Villa, giving him two assists in the opening two matches.

Cherki has played a central role in Manchester City’s early form, registering two goals and two assists. He supplied two assists during City’s comeback victory over AFC Bournemouth before scoring twice in the following match against Crystal Palace.

Palmer has helped Chelsea win both of their games so far. The playmaker has scored twice and provided one assist, finding the net once against Brighton and once against Fulham. He also set up a goal in the match against the Cottagers.

His Chelsea team-mate Joao Pedro has likewise scored two goals and created two more. He struck in the first minute against Fulham and later assisted Palmer. Against Brighton, his former club, he scored once and supplied another assist.

Tzolakis has made a significant contribution to Hull City’s perfect start. The goalkeeper has kept clean sheets in both matches, making five saves in a historic victory over Manchester United before shutting out Coventry.

At Brentford, Sangare has impressed with his work in central midfield. He has recorded one assist and made several important defensive contributions.

Wissa has adapted to different attacking responsibilities for Newcastle United, operating both as a number 10 and as a striker. He has scored once and provided one assist during the club’s opening two matches.