Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named PFA Player of the Year after a record-breaking season. The Portugal international was instrumental in helping United return to the Champions League, setting a new record of 21 assists in a single Premier League campaign.
Recognition After a Mixed Campaign
Fernandes saw off Manchester City duo Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, along with Arsenal trio Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya and Declan Rice, for the award. Considering Arsenal's title-winning campaign, Fernandes claiming the trophy is a testament to his superb individual season, with 21 assists accompanied by nine goals in his 3,000 Premier League minutes.
The interim arrival of Michael Carrick helped United claim a third-placed finish, but his first game in permanent charge was a disaster as they were beaten 2-0 by newly-promoted Hull City. Fernandes and his teammates will be looking to put that disappointment firmly behind them, with the captain potentially buoyed by his huge achievement.
Team of the Year and Next Challenges
Fernandes was the only United player in the Premier League team of the year, with the aforementioned five joined by William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Antoine Semenyo, Igor Thiago and Nico O'Reilly. O'Reilly was also crowned PFA Young Player of the Year following his breakout season at the Etihad Stadium.
The focus for Fernandes now will be getting three points on the board for United, with Ipswich Town as their upcoming opponents this weekend. They also face Everton, Manchester City and Fulham before the international break, in addition to discovering their Champions League fate and playing their first game in that competition.
