United talisman receives the ultimate recognition from his peers after dragging Amorim’s side to survival last season

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been officially nominated for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.

The six-man shortlist – comprising Fernandes, Mohammed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Alexander Isak (Newcastle United), Declan Rice (Arsenal) and Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – was announced today, as per the club’s website. 

The award is voted for by Premier League players themselves – and there is no greater respect for a footballer than being honoured by your fellow peers who you compete against every week.

Despite United’s dismal season, finishing 15th in the table with multiple records broken for position, points, losses and goals, Fernandes remained a bright light amidst a sea of darkness at Old Trafford.

The talismanic midfielder finished the 2024/25 campaign with 19 goals and 19 assists in 57 appearances for the Red Devils. In the league, he returned eight goals and 11 assists, despite the dismal performances of his supporting cast in a Red shirt.

Without the ball, Fernandes was equally integral to Ruben Amorim’s side as well.

He ranks highly for defensive metrics as Amorim regularly deployed the Portugal international at the heart of his 3-4-2-1 system, in a midfield pivot, despite Fernandes having spent the majority of his career further forward.

Bruno Fernandes is the only player in Europe’s top five leagues this season with 70+ tackles and interceptions and 70+ chances created.

Strong in defence, even stronger in attack

(H/t @StatmanDave) pic.twitter.com/cIM3tnMJjj

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) April 10, 2025

Tweet: “Bruno Fernandes is the only player in Europe’s top five leagues this season with 70+ tackles and interceptions and 70+ chances created. Strong in defence, even stronger in attack.”

But the 30-year-old refused to allow the increased defensive responsibility to affect his performances, in the way it would for many players at Old Trafford in recent years, demonstrating his indefatigable attitude throughout the season, regardless of his position.

Fernandes’ impact goes far beyond the pitch, however. He is the beating heart of United; at a time when the club appeared on the verge of flatlining.

It is not an exaggeration to state the Reds would have faced a genuine relegation battle this year without their captain.

And this effect has been most keenly felt by the players Fernandes lines up against every week in the Premier League – evidence by his recognition as one of the division’s best players this season.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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