Fully deserved - Bruno Fernandes is Footballer of the Year!

Bruno Fernandes has been named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year!

The Portuguese midfielder has enjoyed an outstanding season and has been one of the key figures behind United’s success. With 19 assists to his name, Fernandes is just one shy of the Premier League record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, with three matches still remaining.

In addition to his impressive creativity, the 31-year-old has scored eight goals, taking his total goal contributions to 27. His performances have played a major role in helping Manchester United finish third in the Premier League and secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Fernandes was the only United player nominated for the award and received 45 percent of the vote from the Football Writers’ Association’s membership of more than 900 journalists.

The race for the award, first introduced in 1947, was extremely close. Fernandes finished just 28 votes ahead of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, while Manchester City striker Erling Haaland came in third. Arsenal’s support was split among Rice, David Raya, Gabriel, and Saka.

In the women’s category, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was the clear winner after leading Manchester City to their first Women’s Super League title in a decade. The Jamaican striker scored 19 goals in 21 league appearances this season and has netted 110 times in 133 matches since joining the club from Bordeaux in 2021. Shaw, who also won the award in 2024, finished ahead of Arsenal’s Alessia Russo and Chelsea’s Lauren James.

Both Fernandes and Shaw will be presented with their awards at the annual Footballer of the Year dinner in London on May 19.

FWA chair John Cross praised both players, describing them as exceptional role models. He highlighted Fernandes’ record-breaking season and technical brilliance, while calling Shaw a thoroughly deserving winner and an outstanding ambassador for women’s football.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 36

Saturday

14.30: (1.90) Liverpool (4.20) Chelsea (3.80)

17.00: (1.28) Brighton (5.90) Wolverhampton (9.50)

17.00: (2.75) Fulham (3.80) Bournemouth (2.50)

17.00: (3.85) Sunderland (3.90) Manchester United (1.87)

19.30: (1.37) Manchester City (5.10) Brentford (7.75)

Sunday

16.00: (5.80) Burnley (3.90) Aston Villa (1.60)

16.00: (2.70) Crystal Palace (3.40) Everton (2.65)

16.00: (2.60) Nottingham Forest (3.35) Newcastle (2.70)

18.30: (5.60) West Ham (4.10) Arsenal (1.65)

Monday

22.00: (1.85) Tottenham (3.90) Leeds (4.20)

***odds are subject to change***