Bruno Fernandes Named Football Writers Association Player of the Year

Bruno Fernandes, the Manchester United midfielder, has been named the Football Writers Association (FWA) Player of the Year. The announcement was made by the FWA, the association of English football journalists, recognizing Fernandes for his exceptional performances during the current Premier League season.

Fernandes has been a pivotal figure for Manchester United throughout the campaign, contributing significantly with eight goals and 19 assists in the Premier League. With two games remaining, he is on the verge of equalling the record for most combined goals and assists in a single season, a mark previously set by Thierry Henry in the 2002/03 season at Arsenal and Kevin De Bruyne in 2019/20 with Manchester City.

The award marks a notable achievement for both Fernandes and Manchester United. He is the first player from the club to receive this prestigious accolade since Wayne Rooney in the 2009/10 season. Additionally, Fernandes becomes only the third Portuguese player to win the FWA Player of the Year award, following Cristiano Ronaldo, who won it twice in 2006/07 and 2007/08, and Rúben Dias in 2020/21.

In the voting, Fernandes secured 45% of the votes, finishing 28 percentage points ahead of Arsenal's Declan Rice, who came in second place. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland was third in the voting. The previous holder of the award was Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.

Fernandes is affectionately known among Manchester United supporters as the "Portuguese Magnífico," a testament to his influence and popularity at the club. This recognition by the FWA highlights his vital role in United's campaign and his impact on the Premier League this season.

Looking ahead, Fernandes and Manchester United will aim to maintain their strong form as the season concludes. The midfielder’s continued contributions could be crucial in determining the club’s final standing in the league table. Meanwhile, the award may also enhance Fernandes’s profile in the transfer market and among footballing peers as the summer approaches.