Bruno Fernandes, captain of Manchester United had a historic 2025–26 season. The 31 year old Portuguese midfielder won the three biggest individual awards in English football: the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, the FWA Footballer of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season.
Fernandes was a key creative force for United this season. He set a new Premier League record with 21 assists in one season, breaking the previous mark shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. His passing, set pieces and penalties helped United in many important games.
Fernandes began his professional career away from Portugal. He left home at 17 to play in Italy for Novara in Serie B. He later played in Serie A for Udinese and Sampdoria. In 2017 he returned to Portugal and joined Sporting CP. At Sporting he became a high scoring midfielder, won the Portuguese League Cup twice, won the Taça de Portugal and was named Primeira Liga Player of the Year in back to back seasons. His form at Sporting led to a move to England.
He joined Manchester United in January 2020. Since then Fernandes has been a central figure at Old Trafford. Known for his strong work rate and durability, he has rarely missed games and often finishes seasons with double figures in both goals and assists. As club captain, he helped United win the EFL Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024 and he has led the team during several European finals. United fans have voted him Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year five times, a club record.
Fernandes is also important for Portugal’s national team. He has played in several World Cups and European Championships and he helped Portugal win two UEFA Nations League titles. His ability to create chances, score from set pieces and convert penalties has made him one of the top midfielders of his era for both club and country.
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