The results, announced on 8/5, revealed Fernandes was the only Manchester United player nominated, securing 45% of the votes from over 900 Football Writers' Association (FWA) members.

Man Utd posted a photo congratulating Bruno Fernandes on winning the "Premier League player of the season 2025-2026" award, voted by the Football Writers' Association (FWA).

Fernandes edged out Declan Rice by just 28 votes, making it one of the closest races in years for England's oldest individual football award, which has been presented since 1947.

Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker who previously won the award in 2023, finished third. In addition to Rice, Arsenal had three other nominated players: David Raya, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Fernandes is the first Manchester United player to win this individual award since Wayne Rooney in 2010. This also marks the first time in nine years that the title has not gone to a player from Liverpool or Manchester City. The last recipient outside these two clubs was N’Golo Kante of Chelsea in 2017.

Fernandes delivered an impressive season, contributing eight goals and 19 assists. His performance helped Manchester United secure a top 5 spot in the Premier League, ensuring their return to the Champions League after a two-season absence.

The Portuguese midfielder created 120 chances in the Premier League this season, nearly doubling Dominik Szoboszlai's 65. He also led in big chances created with 30, significantly ahead of competitors such as Rayan Cherki, who had 18.

Fernandes' remaining goal for the season is to surpass the Premier League record of 20 assists, currently held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Manchester United have three matches left: against Sunderland on 9/5, Nottingham Forest on 17/5, and Brighton on 24/5.

Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring Manchester United's winning goal, making it 3-2 against Burnley at Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom, during the third round of the Premier League on 30/8/2025. *Photo: Offside*.

Established in 1948, the FWA award recognizes the player with the greatest impact of the season. Fernandes is the 10th Manchester United player to receive this honor, joining notable figures such as Bobby Charlton, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In women's football, Bunny Shaw of Manchester City secured an overwhelming victory after scoring 19 goals, helping her team win the Women's Super League (WSL). This marks the second time the Jamaican striker has received the award, having also won in 2023.

The awards ceremony will take place in London on 19/5. FWA Chairman John Cross commented that both Fernandes and Shaw are highly influential players and exemplary role models for modern football.

By Hong Duy