Bruno Fernandes has been named the men’s Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association following an impressive campaign for Manchester United.
The Portugal midfielder earned 45 per cent of the votes cast by the FWA’s more than 900 members after contributing eight goals and 20 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season.
Fernandes finished ahead of Declan Rice, who came second, while Erling Haaland placed third in the voting.
The 30-year-old has been central to United’s improved performances under interim manager Michael Carrick, helping the club move towards a third-place finish in the Premier League and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Despite the turnaround in form, United are set to end the campaign without silverware for a second consecutive season.
Fernandes also becomes the first Manchester United player to win the prestigious award since Wayne Rooney claimed it in 2010.
The FWA award is regarded as one of English football’s most respected individual honours, voted for annually by football journalists across the country.