Bruno Fernandes wins PFA Men’s Player of the Year
Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he voted for an Arsenal rival to win the PFA Men’s Player of the Year award before claiming the prize himself, reports BritPanorama.
The Manchester United captain was recognised by his fellow professionals following an outstanding 2025-26 campaign in which he registered a record-breaking 21 Premier League assists. Fernandes’ creativity helped Michael Carrick’s side finish third and secure a return to the Champions League.
Attending the ceremony with his wife, Ana Pinho, Fernandes discussed his ballot choice on the red carpet. Nominees are unable to vote for themselves, leading him to select a rival player. Although he did not disclose the name, he confirmed he voted for an Arsenal player, stating, “They were amazing; very strong, very difficult to play against.”
“Getting into that Champions League final was something that was amazing for them… It’s something that they need to be proud of,” he continued, acknowledging the strength of the Arsenal side. Despite his vote for a rival, Fernandes claimed the award after becoming one of the Premier League’s defining players this season.
Fernandes described the season as “special” on a personal level, stating, “It got into more into my strikers and into myself.” He emphasised that his assist total reflects United’s collective improvement rather than just his individual performance, noting, “Assisting means that someone is getting goals.”
After the celebration, Fernandes faced a challenging start to the new season, as Manchester United suffered a 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City three days prior to the award ceremony. “We’re three points behind where we wanted to be at this moment,” he admitted, looking ahead to their next match. United will return to Old Trafford on Sunday to face Ipswich Town as they seek to secure their first points of the campaign.
In sports, as in life, moments of individual triumph often contrast sharply with the backdrop of team challenges, a reminder that the joy of personal achievement can be fleeting amidst the demands of performance. The road ahead looms large for Fernandes and United, but as he savours this accolade, the weight of expectation only intensifies.
