United captain recognised after standout campaign
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been included on the shortlist for the PFA men’s Player of the Year award.
The midfielder has already received major recognition for his performances this season. Fernandes was named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year by United and also collected the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year prize.
The PFA award will be decided later in the summer, with the winner set to be announced at the annual ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday, August 25.
Fernandes has been one of United’s key figures throughout the campaign, leading the team with consistent performances and major attacking influence. He also broke the Premier League record for assists in a single season after creating 21 goals for his team mates.
Five Premier League rivals join Fernandes on shortlist
Fernandes is one of six players nominated for the award. Three of the names come from Premier League champions Arsenal, with David Raya, Gabriel and Declan Rice all making the shortlist.
Manchester City also have two nominees. Rayan Cherki has been recognised, while Erling Haaland is included after finishing as the league’s leading goalscorer.
The full PFA men’s Player of the Year shortlist includes Rayan Cherki of Manchester City, Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United, Gabriel of Arsenal, Erling Haaland of Manchester City, David Raya of Arsenal and Declan Rice of Arsenal.
Fernandes aims to follow former United winners
The PFA Player of the Year award is voted for by fellow professionals, making it one of the most respected individual honours in English football.
Wayne Rooney was the last Manchester United player to win the prize, taking the award in the 2009/10 season.
Several other United players have also claimed the honour in the past. Mark Hughes won it twice, in 1988/89 and 1990/91. Gary Pallister followed in 1991/92, while Eric Cantona won it in 1993/94.
Roy Keane received the award in 1999/2000, Teddy Sheringham won it in 2000/01 and Ruud van Nistelrooy took it in 2001/02. Cristiano Ronaldo was named winner in both 2006/07 and 2007/08, before Ryan Giggs won the prize in 2008/09.
Fernandes will now hope to add his name to that list after a season in which he again underlined his importance to Manchester United.
