Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year. The award was presented in Manchester on Tuesday. It capped a remarkable season for the Portuguese midfielder.
Fernandes was recognised by his fellow professionals. His influence was central to United’s recovery last season.
Fernandes breaks assist record
A record 21 Premier League assists were registered by Fernandes in 2025-26. The mark surpassed the previous record. It had been shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Nine league goals were also scored by the 31-year-old. United were lifted from a difficult start to a third-place finish. A Champions League return was secured as a result. The campaign was completed under manager Michael Carrick.
Fernandes had already received another major honour. The Football Writers’ Association named him its footballer of the year in May.
“It is obviously a very proud moment,” Fernandes said. “The people you play against are the ones voting. It is not always easy to vote for someone you face.”
Shaw takes women’s award
Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw won the women’s PFA award. It was the second time she had received the honour. A third consecutive Women’s Super League Golden Boot was also secured.
Shaw scored 21 league goals. City were also guided to their first WSL title in a decade.
The award capped a strong campaign for the Jamaica international.
O’Reilly wins young player award
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly was named the men’s young player of the year. The 21-year-old played a major role in City’s trophy-winning season. Two goals were scored in the League Cup final against Arsenal.
The FA Cup was also won by City. O’Reilly then represented England at the World Cup.
“I’m very proud of the season I had,” O’Reilly said. “I won two trophies with my club. I also managed to play at the World Cup with my country.”
Arsenal dominate Team of the Year
Five Arsenal players were selected for the men’s PFA Team of the Year. David Raya, Gabriel, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice were included. Fernandes was also selected. Brentford striker Igor Thiago completed the side.
Manchester City had four representatives. Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo and O’Reilly were included.
The selections reflected a season marked by strong individual performances across the Premier League.
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