There are good seasons, there are great seasons, and then there is whatever Bruno Fernandes just produced for Manchester United. On Saturday, the Portuguese midfielder was officially named the Premier League Player of the Season — and honestly, looking back at the numbers he put up this campaign, the only real surprise is that the conversation was ever close.
The numbers don’t lie
Let’s start with the stats because they genuinely do most of the talking here. Fernandes finished the season with 20 assists — matching the all time Premier League record — and chipped in with eight goals on top of that. But the number that really puts his season into perspective is this one: 132 chances created. That is a league high, and it isn’t even close. The next best player in the entire Premier League was Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, who created 89. Bruno created 43 more chances than the second best player in the division. Let that breathe for a second.
Stiff competition, clear winner
It’s worth noting that the shortlist around him was genuinely strong. Arsenal’s title winning campaign produced three nominees in Gabriel, David Raya and Declan Rice. Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo were also in the running, alongside Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Brentford’s Igor Thiago. Good players. Great seasons. But when you look at what Bruno did week in, week out, carrying United’s creative load almost entirely on his own shoulders — the decision makes complete sense.
“In a league full of world class talent, Bruno Fernandes was the most creative player on the pitch. Every single week. By a distance that honestly feels a little embarrassing for everyone else.”
A season full of recognition
The Premier League award caps off what has been a remarkable individual season for the 31-year-old. Earlier this month he picked up the Football Writers’ Association Men’s Player of the Year — a huge honour voted for by journalists who watch the game week in, week out. He also claimed the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award at Old Trafford for a record fifth time, cementing his place as the most important player at the club by some distance.
Beyond the individual accolades, there’s a bigger picture here. United’s season was far from perfect — but they finished third and booked their place in next season’s Champions League, and Bruno’s performances were central to that. He didn’t just collect stats in comfortable wins. He dragged his team through moments when things weren’t going well, the way only real leaders do. That’s what captains are supposed to do. That’s exactly what he did.
Player of the Season. Football Writers’ award. Five time club player of the year. A Champions League spot secured. Not a bad way to end a campaign, Bruno. Not bad at all. 🔴