Man Utd's Fernandes wins Football Writers' men's award

Breaking news from the world of sport: Man Utd's Fernandes wins Football Writers' men's awardImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United from Sporting six years agoBySimon Stone Chief football news reporterPublished7 minutes agoManchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has won the Football Writers' Association's men's Footballer of the Year award. Midfielder Fernandes has scored eight goals and provided 20 assists in 34 games across all competitions for the Red Devils this season. The Portugal international has played a key role in United's upturn in form under interim boss Michael Carrick.

United are set finish the season without a trophy for the second season in a row, but they are on course to finish third in the Premier League and secure a place in next season's Champions League. Fernandes is the first United player to win the FWA men's award since Wayne Rooney in 2010. The 31-year-old joined United from Portuguese club Sporting in January 2020 for £67.

Match Details

7m and clocked up his 300th appearance for the club earlier this season. An impressive 2025-26 campaign has come after his future at Old Trafford had appeared uncertain. At the end of last season, club officials told Fernandes they would not stand in his way if he wanted to accept a huge offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

Fernandes rejected it and then dismissed subsequent interest from other teams in Europe to remain with United. It is understood Fernandes' contract, which expires in 2027, has the option of an additional year. Given his performances this season, it would be remarkable if United do not come up with a new deal, even if co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is trying to drive down wage costs.

Fernandes said in October last year he will not discuss his future with anyone until after the upcoming World Cup. Shaw named Football Writers' Women's Player of Year Published8 minutes agoMaking assists 'is something I really enjoy' - Fernandes Published24 AprilBruno Fernandes On Man Utd Pressure, Critics & Captaincy Fernandes delivered when United needed - analysisThere is no doubt Manchester United have given Bruno Fernandes a push to get this award. United have been playing up Fernandes' claims and also ensured the Portugal playmaker was promoted through some recent media engagements.

Reactions and Expectations

However, this would have been pointless had Fernandes not delivered at a time in the season when United needed him to deliver. In October, when Fernandes spoke about qualification for the Champions League, few thought it was likely. In January, when technical director Jason Wilcox told the United squad that was the aim despite Ruben Amorim's dismissal, it seemed a tall order.

That they have achieved it with three matches to spare and could yet end the campaign nearer in points terms to the eventual champions than in any other season since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement 13 years ago, owes a huge amount to Fernandes.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.