Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the Premier League Player of the Season after an outstanding campaign that helped propel the club back into the UEFA Champions League.
The Portuguese midfielder earned the prestigious honour on Saturday following a remarkable individual performance for Manchester United throughout the season.
Fernandes played a major role in United’s impressive league run, contributing eight goals and a record-equalling 20 assists to guide Michael Carrick’s side to a third-place finish on the table.
His assist tally matches the highest ever recorded in a single Premier League season, equalling the achievements of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.
The 31-year-old becomes the first Manchester United player to win the award since former Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic claimed it during the 2010/2011 campaign.
Fernandes beat a strong list of contenders to secure the award, including Arsenal trio David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice, as well as Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
Others nominated for the award were Brentford forward Igor Thiago, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
The United skipper had earlier been recognised for his outstanding displays after winning the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award.
His consistency, creativity and leadership have been widely praised as key factors behind Manchester United’s successful return to Europe’s elite club competition next season.
Meanwhile, Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly was named the Premier League Young Player of the Season after an impressive breakthrough campaign.
The 21-year-old established himself as a regular figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad, featuring mainly at left-back while also operating in midfield during parts of the season.
O’Reilly scored five goals and provided three assists across competitions for City.
He also delivered a memorable performance in March by scoring both goals in Manchester City’s League Cup final victory over Arsenal.
The youngster further strengthened his reputation after starting in City’s FA Cup final triumph against Chelsea.
Other nominees for the Young Player of the Season award included Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and Brentford defender Michael Kayode.
Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo, alongside Bournemouth duo Alex Scott and Eli Junior Kroupi, also made the shortlist for the award.
