Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the Football Writers’ Association Men’s Player of the Year following an impressive campaign that has played a major role in Manchester United’s return to the UEFA Champions League.
The Portuguese midfielder has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, scoring eight Premier League goals and providing 19 assists.
With three matches still left to play, Fernandes is just one assist away from equalling the Premier League record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Fernandes edged Declan Rice of Arsenal FC by 28 votes, while Erling Haaland of Manchester City finished third in the poll.
The 31-year-old becomes the first United player to receive the honour since Wayne Rooney won it in 2010.
Under interim manager Michael Carrick, Manchester United have climbed to third place in the league standings and have already secured qualification for next season’s Champions League after missing out for two years.
In the women’s category, Khadija Shaw, popularly known as “Bunny” Shaw, claimed the award for the second time after inspiring Manchester City Women to their first Women’s Super League title in a decade.
The Jamaican striker has scored 19 goals in 21 league appearances and remains on course to win the Golden Boot for a third consecutive season.
Shaw comfortably finished ahead of Alessia Russo, while Lauren James placed third in the voting.
