In the summer of last year, questions surrounded Bruno Fernandes’ future at Manchester United, as reports suggested that the Saudi Pro League was preparing a massive offer for the Portuguese star. However, after extensive discussions, United managed to persuade their inspirational captain to remain in the North of England and continue as a central figure in the club’s rebuild under then head coach, Ruben Amorim.
A year later, the scenario feels familiar, though this time Michael Carrick is leading the team and there is no significant interest from the Middle East to lure Fernandes away. Despite unexpected exits from both domestic cups, Carrick’s United managed to turn their season around impressively, securing a third-place finish in the Premier League and clinching a return to next season’s UEFA Champions League.
That qualification has all but ensured that Fernandes will remain at Old Trafford, particularly after an exceptional campaign that saw him achieve new records and cement his name in Premier League history books.
Fernandes recorded 21 assists, surpassing the previous Premier League record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. His contributions earned him numerous accolades as he once again carried his team through challenging periods. After claiming the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a record fifth time, he was also named the Football Writers’ Player of the Season and has now been shortlisted for the prestigious PFA Men’s Player of the Year award.
As officially confirmed by the club, Manchester United’s captain is among six nominees for the PFA honour, voted on by fellow professionals. His competition includes Manchester City duo Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, along with Arsenal’s David Raya, Gabriel, and Declan Rice — the latter considered Fernandes’ strongest rival for the top prize.
Many believe that only Declan Rice could edge Fernandes for the award, following an outstanding season in which the England midfielder helped Arsenal win their first Premier League title in more than twenty years.
If Fernandes wins, he will become the first Manchester United player to receive the award since Wayne Rooney in the 2009/10 season, joining a distinguished list of past club winners.
The list of United’s former PFA winners begins with Mark Hughes, who claimed the accolade in both the 1988/89 and 1990/91 seasons, followed by Gary Pallister in 1991/92 and Eric Cantona in 1993/94. Roy Keane, Teddy Sheringham, and Ruud van Nistelrooy then made it three consecutive United winners between 1999 and 2002. Cristiano Ronaldo secured back-to-back awards in 2006/07 and 2007/08, before Ryan Giggs was honoured in 2008/09 for his remarkable career and campaign.
Voting across the Premier League has already concluded, but due to the busy summer schedule with the World Cup, the award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 25 August, in Manchester. Fernandes will be hoping the home setting brings him luck — and perhaps by then, he might even be a World Cup winner with Portugal.
A triumph for Portugal in the U.S. would elevate Fernandes into a new echelon of footballing greatness, solidifying his legacy as one of the finest players of his generation.
At 31, Fernandes stands out as Manchester United’s best acquisition since the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Even though major team trophies have so far eluded him, his consistent brilliance and leadership continue to earn widespread admiration. Everyone associated with the club will be hoping that Bruno starts the upcoming season by lifting silverware — a fitting reward for yet another outstanding individual campaign.
