Bruno Fernandes has capped off one of the finest individual seasons of his career by being named the Premier League Player of the Season, becoming the first Manchester United player to win the honour since Nemanja Vidić in 2011.
The Portuguese midfielder has been at the heart of United’s revival this season, helping the club secure a third-place finish and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Fernandes combined goals, creativity, and leadership throughout the campaign, producing eight goals and a remarkable 20 assists in 37 league appearances. His assist against Nottingham Forest last weekend saw him equal the all-time Premier League record for assists in a single season.
Fernandes dominates the league creatively
According to the BBC, no player in the league created more chances this season than Fernandes. The United captain finished with 132 chances created, a staggering figure that placed him far ahead of the competition. The next closest player was Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool FC, who registered 89 chances.
Fernandes’ influence extended beyond statistics, with his performances often carrying United through difficult moments in a turbulent campaign that also saw a managerial change midway through the season. The award was decided through a combination of public voting and a panel of football experts.
Other nominees included Declan Rice, David Raya and Gabriel Magalhães from Arsenal FC, along with Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest.
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Carrick reshapes United’s coaching setup
According to the BBC, the announcement comes shortly after Michael Carrick signed a permanent two-year deal to continue as United manager after initially taking interim charge following Rúben Amorim’s departure earlier this year. United also confirmed contract extensions for several coaching staff members, including Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate.
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Nico O’Reilly wins young player honour
According to the BBC, Nico O’Reilly was named Premier League Young Player of the Season after an impressive breakthrough year with Manchester City.
The versatile 21-year-old scored five goals and provided three assists in 34 appearances while also earning his first senior England cap. O’Reilly beat a strong field of young contenders, including Kobbie Mainoo, Rayan Cherki, and Lewis Hall, to secure the award.
