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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named Premier League Player of the Season after a historic individual campaign. The veteran midfielder claimed the prestigious honor ahead of several title-winning Arsenal stars, while Manchester City’s versatile academy graduate Nico O’Reilly secured the young player of the season award.
Red Devils Skipper makes history
Fernandes has secured his first career Premier League Player of the Season award after guiding United back to the Champions League. The 31-year-old playmaker enjoyed a superbly creative campaign, scoring eight top goals and matching the historic single-season record of 20 assists. By conquering a star-studded shortlist, the Portugal international became the seventh different Old Trafford representative to claim the award and the first since Nemanja Vidic in 2011.
Historic Assist record matched
The experienced talisman’s outstanding statistical output saw him emulate legendary top scorers Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne by reaching the 20 assist milestone. This latest administrative triumph follows his recent FWA Footballer of the Year crowning. Fernandes captured the individual award over the formidable Arsenal title-winning trio of David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice, along with Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Morgan Gibbs-White and Brentford’s Igor Thiago.
City Prodigy Country’s Youth Award
Meanwhile, City star O’Reilly capped off a sensational breakthrough year under Pep Guardiola by winning the young player of the season award. The 21-year-old academy graduate established himself as an indispensable tactical asset, registering 34 senior appearances across multiple positions, including left-back and central midfield. O’Reilly edged out contemporary nominees including Rayan Cherki, Eli Junior Kroupi, Mateus Fernandes, Lewis Hall, Michael Kayode, Kobbie Mainoo and Alex Scott.
The WC test looms large
O’Reilly must now make a swift transition from local domestic success to the highest tier of international football after earning a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad. The versatile youngster comes into the tournament in pristine form after match-winning Wembley displays in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals.
Conversely, Fernandes is shifting his focus towards the World Cup and his leading role in Portugal, while Michael Carrick and Manchester United look set to take care of business in the transfer window.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread over three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament games will be broadcast live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every game streaming live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 games, more than a third of the tournament, are televised in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opener between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as will the USA’s June 12 opener against Paraguay (9 p.m. ET).
Reporting by GOAL.
