Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, has been declared the Premier League player of the season. This announcement follows his recent accolade as Football Writers' Association men's Player of the Year.
Fernandes has had an exceptional season, matching the record for assists in a Premier League season by setting up his 20th goal against Nottingham Forest. His contribution extends beyond assists; he also netted eight goals in 37 games, playing a pivotal role in securing United's third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
The Portugal midfielder outperformed all other players in terms of creating chances this season. With a staggering total of 132 chances created - 43 more than Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai who came second - Fernandes proved to be an invaluable asset to Manchester United.
Decade-long wait ends
This achievement marks Fernandes as the first United player to win this prestigious award since defender Nemanja Vidic did so back in 2011. The winner is determined through a combination of public votes and inputs from a panel comprising football experts.
Among those shortlisted for this honour were Arsenal’s David Raya and Gabriel, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo, Brentford’s Igor Thiago, and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White.
In related news at Manchester United, Steve Holland, Jonny Evans, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion and Craig Mawson have all agreed on new two-year deals to remain part of Michael Carrick's coaching team. Carrick himself signed a permanent two-year deal after temporarily taking charge following Ruben Amorim's dismissal earlier this year.
Nico O'Reilly clinches Young Player award
On another note from Premier League awards circuit: Manchester City’s Nico O'Reilly has been named the Premier League Young Player of the Season. The 21-year-old full-back, who joined City's academy at eight years old, has had a breakthrough year with five goals and three assists in 34 league appearances.
O'Reilly also earned his first senior England cap in November and was included in Thomas Tuchel's 26-man World Cup squad. He won this award ahead of several promising young talents including City teammate Rayan Cherki, Bournemouth duo Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, Newcastle full-back Lewis Hall, Brentford’s Michael Kayode and West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes.
