Bruno Fernandes has been a standout performer for Manchester United this season and he will have his sights set on individual awards.
Unfortunately, Manchester United’s early exit in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup means that Bruno Fernandes is unlikely to win any team honours this season.
Declan Rice has helped Arsenal lead their Premier League title charge, and while United could challenge for the title under Michael Carrick, it seems unlikely with a 12-point gap and only 12 games remaining.
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United captain Fernandes is chasing the Player of the Season award and the record for the most assists in one season – currently held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
If the stars align, Fernandes could even challenge for the Ballon d’Or. But in terms of Premier League competition, he will have to rise above Rice.
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Bruno Fernandes’ biggest award competition is Declan Rice
As per WhoScored, Fernandes’ performances for United this season have earned him a spot in their Team of the Season for Europe’s top five leagues.
The Portuguese playmaker has averaged a 7.42 rating this season, earning him a spot in midfield. The only other Premier League player to make the team is Rice, who has averaged a 7.34 rating in 2025/26.
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The United and Arsenal duo have easily been two of the best players in the Premier League this season, and it shows that they will be going head-to-head for the Premier League Player of the Season award when 2025/26 draws to a close.
The award is usually given to a player who lifted the Premier League trophy, which will favour Rice, but Fernandes is keeping himself in the running through his excellent individual performances.
Bruno Fernandes is one of the best in the Premier League
United have not done Fernandes justice in terms of team trophies. The 31-year-old has been a sensation since arriving from Portugal in 2020.
Last summer, Fernandes showed ultimate loyalty to United by rejecting a big-money move to Saudi Arabia. He later explained that his work in Manchester is not done because he is yet to lift the Premier League or Champions League.
Fernandes deserves that, and anyone who thinks otherwise should check his numbers. As per FotMob, Fernandes averages the highest rating across the entire Premier League, and his competition are not even close.
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Across the first 26 games, Fernandes has averaged a 7.98 rating. Erling Haaland ranks second with a rating of just 7.71.
If United achieve Champions League qualification and Fernandes continues his current run of form, it would be wrong for him not to win the Player of the Season award ahead of Rice.
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