Bruno Fernandes has been crowned as the PFA Player of the Year by his fellow pros - and that is why there should be no backlash like there was after Man Utd star's FWA triumph
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates
Bruno Fernandes has been named as the PFA Men's Player of the Year(Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
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There was a serious backlash in May when Bruno Fernandes won the Football Writers’ Association award as Footballer of the Year.
How can you pick a player who did not win a trophy? What about Declan Rice? Arsenal won the title, after all. It’s just Manchester United bias.
Well, now you have the verdict from the players who probably have a good idea themselves because they have shared a pitch with the contenders. And, once again, the Manchester United captain has come out on top as the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year.
Fernandes did not win a trophy but did break a long-standing record and was, ultimately, the epitome of individual success. The Portugal midfielder registered 21 assists in the Premier League last season which broke the long-standing record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
So, actually, it is very fair to say that he also contributed on a team level because he supplied the chances for his United teammates.
I’ll admit it, I voted for Rice in the FWA awards and, as chair of the Association, I always favour a player who has won a trophy. Can you imagine if Arsenal had won the title and the Champions League? This is 1999 territory when Manchester United won the Treble but David Ginola was crowned Footballer of the Year.
But the fact is they didn’t and the players have spoken - and they voted for Fernandes above the rest.
Furthermore, Fernandes is also such a shining light in the game. Great player, nice personality and was so honoured and thrilled to be crowned FWA Footballer of the Year. You can be sure this latest gong will be just as important and is so richly deserved for one of the very best players in the Premier League.
He is skillful, classy, has great vision and is such a joy to watch. He transformed United’s season last year and this is no more than he deserves.
Bruno Fernandes is staying at Manchester United
Fernandes has been recognised for his stellar form last season
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The six-strong shortlist from the votes was Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), David Raya (Arsenal), Declan Rice (Arsenal).
No wonder City players are in there because they won a domestic cup double in a memorable final season for Pep Guardiola.
But it is so good to see Arsenal represented in great numbers as title winners - and yet no one can argue with Fernandes getting the gong.