Bruno Fernandes has claimed his fifth Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, surpassing David de Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo who each hold four accolades. The Manchester United captain's latest triumph sparked a playful response from his former goalkeeper, who posted a cheeky middle finger emoji on social media with the caption "Bruno."
De Gea's tongue-in-cheek reaction went viral among United supporters, showcasing the enduring camaraderie between players despite their departures from Old Trafford. The Spanish shot-stopper, who spent 12 seasons as the club's first-choice goalkeeper, clearly maintains close ties with the current squad and their achievements. Fernandes clinched the award following a fan-led vote for the 2025-26 season, cementing his position as one of the most decorated modern United performers.
Record-Breaking Campaign on the Pitch
The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder has delivered elite-level consistency throughout the campaign, particularly during United's mid-season resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick. Fernandes orchestrated the team's dramatic turnaround, establishing himself as the creative heartbeat during this transitional period. With 19 Premier League assists already accumulated, he stands just one assist away from matching the single-season record of 20 jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Two remaining domestic fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Brighton present ideal opportunities to etch his name into Premier League history.
Beyond his assist tally, Fernandes has created an astounding 124 chances for team-mates across all competitions this term—a testament to his relentless work rate and tactical intelligence. He becomes only the second player in United's history, after De Gea himself, to secure three consecutive Player of the Year awards. This distinction underscores his reliability across multiple managerial regimes, from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer through to the current setup.
Legacy Among United Greats
Since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020, Fernandes has established himself as the focal point of United's attack despite the departures of club legends Ronaldo and De Gea. His latest award recognition reinforces his status among the pantheon of Manchester United greats and highlights the midfielder's unmatched importance to the club's future aspirations. With the season entering its final stages, Fernandes has the platform to add yet another record to his already impressive resume.
