Man Utd's Fernandes wins Football Writers' men's award

"Midfielder Fernandes has scored eight goals and provided 20 assists in 34 games across all competitions for the Red Devils this season. The Portugal international has played a key role in United's upturn in form under interim boss Michael Carrick. United are set finish the season without a trophy for the second season in a row, but they are on course to finish third in the Premier League and secure a place in next season's Champions League."

"Fernandes is the first United player to win the FWA men's award since Wayne Rooney in 2010. The 31-year-old joined United from Portuguese club Sporting in January 2020 for 67.7m and clocked up his 300th appearance for the club earlier this season. An impressive 2025-26 campaign has come after his future at Old Trafford had appeared uncertain."

"At the end of last season, club officials told Fernandes they would not stand in his way if he wanted to accept a huge offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Fernandes rejected it and then dismissed subsequent interest from other teams in Europe to remain with United. It is understood Fernandes' contract, which expires in 2027, has the option of an additional year."

"There is no doubt Manchester United have given Bruno Fernandes a push to get this award. United have been playing up Fernandes' claims and also ensured the Portugal playmaker was promoted through some recent media engagements. However, this would have been pointless had Fernandes not delivered at a time in the season when United needed him to deliver."

Bruno Fernandes won the Football Writers' Association men's Footballer of the Year award. He scored eight goals and provided 20 assists in 34 matches across all competitions for Manchester United. His performances helped drive an improvement in form under interim manager Michael Carrick. United are set to finish without a trophy for a second consecutive season, but they are on course for third place in the Premier League and a Champions League spot. Fernandes is the first Manchester United player to win the FWA award since Wayne Rooney in 2010. He joined from Sporting in January 2020 for 67.7 million and reached 300 appearances earlier this season. His future had seemed uncertain after interest from Al-Hilal, which he rejected, and he later dismissed other European interest. His contract expires in 2027 with an option for an additional year, and a new deal is expected despite wage-cost pressure.

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