Bruno Fernandes Joins Ronaldo as Only Portuguese Winners of PFA Player of the Year

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the PFA Player of the Year after an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, becoming only the second Portuguese footballer to win the prestigious award after Cristiano Ronaldo.

Fernandes enjoyed a standout season for United, setting a new Premier League record with 21 assists while scoring nine goals. His contributions helped Manchester United finish third in the league and earned him the award, which is voted on by members of the Professional Footballers’ Association.

The 31-year-old follows Ronaldo, who won the award in consecutive seasons in 2007 and 2008 during his first spell at Old Trafford.

Fernandes’ triumph also strengthens Manchester United’s record in the men’s PFA Player of the Year award. United players have now claimed the honour 12 times, more than any other club in England and Wales.

The midfielder was particularly influential under manager Michael Carrick, who allowed Fernandes and United’s attacking players greater freedom. Carrick previously praised the midfielder’s creativity and ability to produce decisive moments.

Since joining Manchester United in 2020, Fernandes has established himself as one of the club’s most productive players. He has recorded 110 goals and 106 assists and reached 200 Premier League goal involvements in 314 appearances, with only Wayne Rooney achieving the milestone faster for United.

• Fernandes named in PFA Team of the Year
• Fernandes was also selected in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

The side includes Arsenal’s David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly, Declan Rice and Rayan Cherki, along with Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo and Brentford’s Igor Thiago.

O’Reilly was named PFA Young Player of the Year after a breakthrough season in which he made 53 appearances across all competitions and scored nine goals.

In the women’s awards, Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw won the PFA Women’s Player of the Year for the second time after finishing the Women’s Super League season as its leading scorer with 21 goals. Arsenal’s Olivia Smith retained the Women’s Young Player of the Year award.

United face early setback

Fernandes’ individual achievement comes as Manchester United look to recover from a disappointing start to the new Premier League campaign.

Michael Carrick’s side suffered a 2-0 defeat against newly promoted Hull City in their opening match, exposing defensive weaknesses and raising concerns over United’s ability to build on their strong finish to the previous season.

Hull took the lead in the 17th minute after United failed to clear a dangerous situation in their penalty area, with Semi Ajayi reacting quickest to score from close range.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Nobel Mendy headed past goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

United struggled to match Hull’s intensity and created few clear chances after the break. Marcus Rashford was introduced at half-time for his first competitive appearance for the club in 618 days, but his return failed to change the outcome.

Bryan Mbeumo came closest to reducing the deficit, only for Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis to deny United.

The defeat leaves Carrick with several issues to address, particularly in defence, with the club still looking to strengthen before the transfer window closes. United are reportedly close to completing a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

For Fernandes, however, the PFA award provides recognition of his exceptional contribution last season. United will now hope their captain can reproduce that form and help the team recover from its difficult start to the new campaign.