Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was named the Premier League Player of the Season for the 2025-26 campaign [4].
The award marks a significant individual milestone for Fernandes and a return to prominence for his club. By securing this honor, he becomes the first Manchester United player to win the award since Nemanja Vidic in 2011 [1].
Fernandes earned the recognition following a record-equaling season where he played a pivotal role in the team's tactical success. His contributions helped Manchester United finish third in the Premier League table [2], a result that ensured the club secured qualification for the Champions League [3].
Beyond the team's standing, the midfielder's individual statistics were a primary driver for the selection. During the 2025-26 season, Fernandes tied the Premier League assists record [3]. The announcement of the award took place in May 2026 [4].
The achievement underscores a period of stability and high performance for the midfielder in England. While the club has faced various transitions in recent years, Fernandes' ability to maintain elite output has been central to the team's return to the top three of the league [2].
The Premier League presented the award to acknowledge the midfielder's impact on the game throughout the year [1]. His performance in the 2025-26 season represents one of the most productive individual campaigns by a Manchester United player in over a decade [1].
“Bruno Fernandes becomes the first Manchester United player to win the award since Nemanja Vidic in 2011”
This award signals a shift in the competitive landscape of the Premier League, as it validates Manchester United's return to the upper echelon of English football. By finishing third and securing Champions League qualification, the club has reclaimed a position of European influence, while Fernandes' record-tying assist numbers establish him as one of the most efficient playmakers in the league's history.
