Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes named Football Writers Footballer of the Year

Bruno Fernandes has been named the Football Writers Association Men’s Footballer of the Year after an outstanding individual campaign for Manchester United.

Fernandes beat competition from Declan Rice, who finished second, and Erling Haaland in third, claiming 45% of the vote from more than 900 members of the FWA.

The United captain has enjoyed a stellar year, registering eight goals and 19 assists in the Premier League as he helped guide the Red Devils back into the Champions League places.

The Portuguese international now sits just one assist short of equalling the Premier League record of 20, jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

Since arriving at Old Trafford in 2020, Fernandes has established himself as an indispensable member of the squad, surpassing 300 appearances for the club.

By winning the award, he joins a distinguished list of former United winners, including Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane.

Fernandes’ exceptional season

In what has been yet another turbulent season for Manchester United, Fernandes has consistently remained the club’s outstanding performer.

His future at Old Trafford appeared uncertain at the beginning of the campaign amid reports of a £100million offer from Al-Hilal.

Fernandes later revealed in an interview with Canal 11 that he felt the club may have been open to his departure.

Despite the speculation, Fernandes decided to remain in Manchester, believing he still had “unfinished business” at the club.

The decision has been fully vindicated, with the player arguably producing his finest season yet in United’s famous red jersey.

Under Ruben Amorim, Fernandes was deployed into a more unfamiliar role in deeper midfield, where he still managed to impress, contributing to five goals and seven assists before Amorim was sacked.

Once Michael Carrick took charge in mid-January, however, Fernandes’ numbers reached another level.

Restored to his preferred attacking midfielder position, Fernandes has produced 16 league goal contributions since that point – 13 assists and three goals – more than any other player in the division over the same period.

Several of these goal contributions have come at pivotal moments for United, such as in key wins against Aston Villa, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

Across the season, Fernandes has created 120 chances in the Premier League, almost double the tally of the next closest player, Dominik Szoboszlai, who has created 67.

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What comes next for Fernandes and Manchester United?

Without Fernandes, it is difficult to imagine Manchester United securing a return to the Champions League this season.

During Carrick’s time in charge, United have accumulated 32 points – the best record in the league during that period – with Fernandes central to that resurgence.

With the short-term aim achieved, attention will now inevitably shift toward the club’s long-term strategy.

Decisions surrounding the manager, recruitment strategy, and potential player sales are expected to shape the next phase of United’s rebuild.

Fernandes’ contract runs until 2027, and with the midfielder set to turn 32 in September, discussions over his future are likely to intensify in the coming months.

While his performances this season make a strong case for an extension, United must also be considerate of the fact that Fernandes’ decline may not be too far away.

There are examples across the Premier League that highlight how quickly circumstances can change for players entering their 30s.

United need only look across to their neighbours in Merseyside, Liverpool, and their situation with Mohamed Salah.

At 32, the Egyptian produced a remarkable campaign last season, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists, but this year he has struggled to reach those same heights and has looked a shadow of the player he was only a season ago.

Reports suggest Fernandes is open to reassessing his future after the World Cup.

Whatever decision is ultimately made, his impact on Manchester United’s modern era is unparalleled, and this award only further highlights how pivotal he has been in keeping the Red Devils afloat during their years in the wilderness.

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