Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been named the PFA Men’s Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season. The Portuguese international received the accolade at the Manchester Opera House, arriving with his wife, Ana Pinho. Fernandes’ recognition follows a successful 2025-26 campaign under manager Michael Carrick, where he played a pivotal role in the Red Devils’ midfield.
During the season, Fernandes set a new Premier League record for assists in a single season, providing 21 goals for his teammates. This creative output was crucial in helping United secure a third-place finish in the league and qualify for the Champions League. His 21 assists surpassed the previous record of 20, jointly held by Thierry Henry (2002/03) and Kevin De Bruyne (2019/20).
Voting for a rival
As PFA award rules prevent players from voting for themselves, Fernandes revealed that he cast his vote for an Arsenal player. Speaking at the ceremony, he acknowledged the strong performance of the North London club. “I won’t say who it was but I voted for some Arsenal player,” Fernandes stated. He further praised Arsenal, noting their formidable presence both domestically and in European competitions.
Fernandes highlighted Arsenal’s impressive season, describing them as “amazing; very strong, very difficult to play against.” He added that Arsenal was “a team that was very successful, not just in the Premier League but also in European competition.” He also mentioned their achievement of reaching the Champions League final, calling it “something that was amazing from them, keeping themselves in the competition until so late, it’s something that they need to be proud of.” Fernandes concluded by saying, “And I think they deserve all the respect that all the Premier League has to give to them.”
Several Arsenal players were recognised at the PFA Awards. David Raya, Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Jurrien Timber were all included in the PFA Men’s Team of the Year after their club won the Premier League title in the 2025/26 season.
Individual and team achievements
Fernandes’ PFA Players’ Player of the Year award completes a clean sweep of major individual honours in the Premier League for the season. He had previously been named the FWA Footballer of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season. Additionally, he received Manchester United’s Player of the Season award for a record fifth time.
With this latest award, Fernandes becomes the 10th Manchester United player to win the PFA Player of the Year, which is considered a significant individual honour in English football. He is the first Manchester United player in 16 years to be voted the league’s best by his peers, with Wayne Rooney being the last recipient in 2009/10.
Other Manchester United players who have won the award include Mark Hughes (1988/89 and 1990/91), Gary Pallister (1991/92), Eric Cantona (1993/94), Roy Keane (1999/2000), Teddy Sheringham (2000/01), Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001/02), Cristiano Ronaldo (2006/07 and 2007/08), and Ryan Giggs (2008/09).
Looking ahead for Manchester United
Despite the individual accolades, Fernandes and Manchester United have faced an early challenge in the new season. The team suffered a 2-0 defeat away to newly promoted Hull on the opening weekend of the campaign. This result has left them trailing in the league standings.
Fernandes acknowledged the team’s current position, stating, “We’re three points behind where we wanted to be at this moment.” Manchester United is now preparing to host Ipswich on Sunday, with Fernandes expressing the team’s determination to secure a victory. “We’ve got a game at home that we want to win, and this is the game. And try to get those points that we have ahead of us,” he concluded.
Source: goal.com
Ama Serwah
Yaw Appiah
Kwame Ofori