Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has become the first Old Trafford player in 16 years to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, claiming the 2025/26 honor following a historic campaign that featured 9 goals and 21 Premier League assists.
Breaking a 16-Year Drought at Old Trafford
The last Manchester United player to lift this coveted trophy was Wayne Rooney during the 2009/10 season. Rooney’s triumph capped an era of supreme dominance where Red Devils players captured the award in four consecutive campaigns.
That golden run began with Cristiano Ronaldo claiming back-to-back accolades in 2006/07 and 2007/08. Ryan Giggs secured the honor in 2008/09 before Rooney rounded out the streak. But the tape tells a different story of the turbulent decade and a half that followed, as United struggled to produce an individual season of elite enough caliber to break the cycle—until Fernandes engineered his masterclass.
Deconstructing the Playmaking Metrics
Fernandes did not just win the award; he rewrote the creative record books. His 21 Premier League assists last term shattered the previous single-season record of 20, a legendary benchmark previously shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
By operating in the half-spaces and dictating the tempo, Fernandes elevated United’s expected goals (xG) output significantly. This offensive engine powered United to a third-place finish in the league table, successfully reclaiming a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League.
Legacy and Portuguese Footprint
He joins Ronaldo as only the second Portuguese player ever to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
Furthermore, this triumph extends Manchester United’s historic club record. The Old Trafford outfit now boasts 12 total winners of this award—the most of any club across English and Welsh professional football.
Manchester United PFA Winner Timeline
| Player | Season |
|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 2006/07 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 2007/08 |
| Ryan Giggs | 2008/09 |
| Wayne Rooney | 2009/10 |
| Bruno Fernandes | 2025/26 |
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
