Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has received one of English football's most prestigious individual accolades. The Portuguese playmaker was awarded the 'Footballer of the Year' by the Football Writers' Association. Fernandes has been the driving force behind Manchester United's remarkable ascent in the Premier League this season. With one match remaining, the 'Red Devils' have already secured third place in the final standings, guaranteeing their return to the Champions League after finishing 15th last season. No other team in the league has managed to climb 12 places within a single season.
The Portuguese star has also equaled the record for most assists in a single Premier League season, currently standing at 20. He is poised to break this record if he provides another assist in the upcoming match against Brighton on Sunday. Additionally, he has eight goals to his name. This marks Bruno Fernandes's first time winning the Football Writers' Association award. He is the third Portuguese player to receive this honor, following Cristiano Ronaldo (2006/07 and 2007/2008) and Rúben Dias (2020/21). He is also the first Manchester United player to be recognized with the award since Wayne Rooney in the 2009/10 season. The Football Writers' Association 'Footballer of the Year' award has been presented annually since the 1947/48 season, with Sir Stanley Matthews of Blackpool being its inaugural recipient.