Bruno Fernandes, captain of Manchester United, has been awarded the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year for the 2025/26 season. The Portuguese midfielder's offensive contributions, particularly his assists and chance creation, were cited as primary reasons for this recognition by the writers.
Fernandes created 120 chances in the Premier League campaign, a figure nearly double that of the next closest player, Dominik Szoboszlai, who managed 65. His tally of 19 assists also places him on the cusp of the Premier League's single-season assist record, with three games remaining. This season's accolade sees him stand out as an exceptional performer in the league.
Key Performances and Position Shift
Fernandes has benefitted from a positional adjustment, moving from a deeper midfield role to his more customary number 10 position. This shift, particularly under the management of Michael Carrick, appears to have significantly boosted his output. Since Ruben Amorim's departure, 12 of his 19 assists have been recorded, highlighting a renewed creative spark. The midfielder has largely focused his efforts on domestic league play, featuring in only two games outside the Premier League.
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Runner-Up and Other Awardees
Declan Rice of Arsenal secured the second position in the FWA vote, with the publication noting that he and Fernandes dominated the ballots. Arsenal had several players in contention, though none ultimately secured the top prize. Manchester City striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw was named the FWA Women's Footballer of the Year, on track for her third consecutive WSL Golden Boot with 19 goals. Last year's women's winner, Alessia Russo, also of Arsenal, was mentioned in relation to other accolades. Erling Haaland, Manchester City's leading scorer, was noted as finishing third and is expected to win the Premier League Golden Boot.
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Historical Context and Award Significance
The FWA Footballer of the Year award, presented annually since the 1947–48 season, is given to the player deemed the best of the season in English football. Unlike awards that solely consider statistics, the FWA prize also takes into account a player's overall contribution to their team's performance, including conduct on and off the pitch. Previous recipients have included influential figures like Thierry Henry, who holds the record with three wins, a feat Mohamed Salah has also achieved. The award has, on occasion, been shared, and nine players have won it more than once. The FWA also presents a Tribute Award to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the national game.
Club and Managerial Influence
Fernandes's importance to Manchester United is underscored by observations that the club has shown improved form under Michael Carrick. Since Carrick took charge in January, United have secured more Premier League wins and points than any other side. Reports from earlier in the season suggested Fernandes had options to leave the club, including a significant offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, but his continued presence and performance suggest a commitment to Manchester United.
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