Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the Premier League Player of the Season after inspiring Manchester United to Champions League qualification and equalling the league’s single-season assists record.
The Portugal international secured the individual honour on Saturday following a remarkable campaign in which he established himself as the driving force behind United’s return to Europe’s elite competition.
Fernandes delivered his 20th assist of the Premier League season during Manchester United’s last outing, drawing level with the long-standing record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Henry first set the mark with Arsenal during the 2002-03 season, while former Manchester City midfielder De Bruyne matched it in the 2019-20 campaign.
The United captain now has the opportunity to become the outright record holder when Erik ten Hag’s side travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion in Sunday’s Premier League season finale.
Fernandes’ latest accolade comes just weeks after he was voted Footballer of the Year in England by the Football Writers’ Association, further cementing his status as one of the standout performers in English football this season.
The 31-year-old midfielder has enjoyed one of the finest campaigns of his career, combining creativity, leadership and consistency as Manchester United secured a top-four finish and a return to the UEFA Champions League.
His influence has been particularly evident in crucial matches throughout the season, with Fernandes regularly delivering decisive assists and goals during United’s push for European qualification.
The award also caps a dominant individual season for the Portuguese playmaker, who has become the central figure in Manchester United’s resurgence and now stands on the brink of making Premier League history outright with one match remaining.
