Bruno Fernandes has been crowned Premier League Player of the Season following a standout campaign in which he inspired Manchester United to a third-place finish and a return to the UEFA Champions League.
The Portuguese midfielder matched the Premier League’s long-standing assist record of 20, previously set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, doing so with one match still left in the season.
He also contributed eight goals, playing a central role in United’s strong league finish.
Fernandes finished the season as the division’s most creative player, registering 132 chances created—comfortably ahead of Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, who managed 89.
His performances helped United secure Champions League qualification and underlined his influence as the team’s main playmaker.
He was shortlisted alongside several top performers, including Arsenal players Gabriel, David Raya, and Declan Rice, Manchester City forwards Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, and Brentford striker Igor Thiago.
Earlier this month, Fernandes also received the Football Writers’ Association Men’s Player of the Year award, as well as Manchester United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year honour for a fifth time.
He now has one final league match against Brighton & Hove Albion to potentially set a new outright assist record.
O’Reilly Wins Young Player Award
Nico O’Reilly of Manchester City was named Premier League Young Player of the Season after a breakout year that also earned him recognition at international level.
The 21-year-old academy graduate established himself under Pep Guardiola, operating mainly at left-back while also featuring in midfield.
He recorded five goals and three assists across 34 league appearances, 29 of them starts.
O’Reilly delivered several key performances, including a memorable brace in Manchester City’s League Cup final win over Arsenal.
Reflecting on his award, he expressed pride in his development, crediting hard work, trust from the coaching staff, and support from his family and teammates for his rapid rise.
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