Manchester United started the season on a disappointing note, suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hull City.
United captain Bruno Fernandes was largely invisible in the opening fixture, still seemingly in the process of returning to full fitness after the World Cup.
Before the World Cup, Fernandes played a crucial role in United’s qualification for the Champions League after the club finished third in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes wins the highly prestigious award
Bruno Fernandes started the season as a box-to-box midfielder under Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim before returning to his preferred number 10 role under Michael Carrick during the second half of the campaign.
The Portuguese maestro broke the longstanding Premier League record for assists in a single season, registering 21 in total.
For his remarkable performance, Fernandes has won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
“Winning this, being voted by the ones that every week go out on the pitch against me, is something that makes me very proud,” said Fernandes.
“Because they’ve been there, they’re playing against me, they’ve seen what I’m capable of doing, and for them to vote for me is something I’m very grateful for.”
The 31-year-old is the first United player since Wayne Rooney in 2010 to have been recognised by his peers as the best performer across a season. He also becomes the eighth different Red Devil to win this honour in the Premier League era.
Sporting CP included interesting clause in 2020 deal
According to The Athletic, when Fernandes first signed from Sporting CP more than half a decade ago, there was a clause in his original contract stating that the Red Devils would pay another £4.2 million should he be voted for the award by his fellow professionals and win.
“Though he’s been such a success since that he’s had new improved contracts and United will be spared paying another few million,” the report states.
Meanwhile, the Portugal international was presented the award by former United magician Juan Mata.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
