Bruno Fernandes has been awarded the PFA Player of the Year award just days after Manchester United’s disastrous defeat to Hull City in the Premier league
Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes has been named PFA Player of the Year. The midfield star beat off competition from Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland as well as Arsenal trio Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya and Declan Rice.
Speaking after claiming the award, he said: “It is obviously a very proud moment. They are the ones you go on the pitch against and it’s probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment.”
Fernandes can reflect on last season’s impressive achievements following a quiet afternoon on his side’s opening day of their campaign on Saturday at Hull City.. The 31-year-old failed to make an impact as the Red Devils were defeated 2-0 by the newly-promoted Tigers.
Ahead of new signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, Fernandes was uncharacteristically wasteful. United had built up huge momentum under Michael Carrick last season but failed to lay a glove on their weekend opponents.
United’s superstar bagged nine goals and provided 21 assists in 37 Premier League appearances last term as Manchester United secured qualification for the Champions League. The Portugal ace claimed the Premier League assist record, surpassing the mark set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Earlier in the night, Fernandes’ United team-mate Kobbie Mainoo came up short in the race for the PFA Young Player of the Year. Cross-town rival Nico O’Reilly claimed the award ahead of Cherki, Bournemouth star Junior Kroupi, Arsenal youngster Max Dowman, and Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool.
O’Reilly said: “I had a great season. I’m very proud of the season I had. I won two trophies with my club and managed to play at the World Cup with my country. I’m over the moon how it turned out.”
Fernandes also earned a place in the PFA team of the year alongside David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Nico O’Reilly, Declan Rice, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo, Erling Haaland, and Igor Thiago.
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Manchester City starlet Bunny Shaw claimed the women’s prize after claiming the golden boot for the third season in succession in the Women’s Super League. Shaw beat Chelsea star Lauren James, Manchester United’s Jess Park, Aston Villa’s Kirsty Hanson and team-mate Yi Hasegawa to the accolade.
Arsenal’s Olivia Smith claimed the prize for WSL young player of the year for the second season in succession.
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