Manchester United Captain Bruno Fernandes Crowned Premier League Player of the Season for 2025-26
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the Premier League Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign, recognising his exceptional individual performance and pivotal role in his club's success.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been officially named the Premier League Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign, capping off a remarkable individual year. The announcement, made on Friday, May 23, 2026, recognises the Portuguese midfielder's outstanding contributions, which were instrumental in guiding Manchester United to a top-three finish and securing UEFA Champions League qualification under manager Michael Carrick. Manchester United Appoint Michael Carrick as Permanent Head Coach Until 2028.
Bruno Fernandes Wins Big
No-one does it like him.
Bruno Fernandes is the Premier League Player of the Year 🤩❤️ pic.twitter.com/jyLySMfIPp
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 23, 2026
Fernandes's stellar season saw him register eight goals and an impressive 20 assists in the Premier League, equalling the single-season assist record previously held by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne. With one final fixture remaining against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, Fernandes has the opportunity to become the outright record holder. His consistent creativity, leadership, and impactful performances throughout the season were highlighted as key factors in his triumph.
A Season of Dominance
The 2025/26 season has been a testament to Fernandes's enduring quality and influence. Beyond his league statistics, the 31-year-old has garnered a host of other accolades, including being crowned Manchester United's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for the fifth time, retaining his Players' Player of the Year title, and being named the Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association. His inclusion in the Premier League's EA Sports Team of the Season further underscores his consistent excellence.
Fernandes overcame strong competition for the prestigious award, with a shortlist that included title-winning Arsenal trio Gabriel, David Raya, and Declan Rice, as well as Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo, Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White, and Brentford striker Igor Thiago. The winner was decided by a combination of votes from fans and a panel of football experts. Manchester City to Rename Etihad Stadium's North Stand in Honour of Pep Guardiola.
Historical Significance and Impact
Bruno Fernandes becomes the seventh player to receive the Premier League Player of the Season award while representing Manchester United, joining an illustrious list that includes Peter Schmeichel, Dwight Yorke, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic, and Wayne Rooney. His ability to maintain an elite level of performance, even during periods of tactical adjustment earlier in the season, has drawn widespread praise from pundits and fans alike.
His remarkable output in goals and assists, coupled with his role as captain, has solidified his status as one of the league's most influential players. As the Premier League season draws to a close, Fernandes's individual brilliance stands out as a defining narrative, showcasing his pivotal role in Manchester United's resurgence and their return to Europe's elite club competition.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 23, 2026 04:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).