Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, has been named the club’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for the fourth time, joining club legends Cristiano Ronaldo and David De Gea as the only players to win the fan-voted award that many consider the highest individual honour at Old Trafford.
The announcement was made on Friday morning, confirming Fernandes as the clear winner. Young winger Amad Diallo and defender Harry Maguire finished second and third respectively, highlighting a season of personal highs despite the club’s overall poor campaign.
Fernandes, 29, scored 19 goals and provided 19 assists in 54 appearances this season, making it his second-best performance since joining United from Sporting Lisbon in 2020. Despite United’s struggles in the Premier League and Europe, the Portuguese midfielder stood out with consistent performances, leadership, and work rate.
He previously won the Sir Matt Busby award in 2020, 2021, and 2024, putting him in elite company. De Gea claimed the award four times between 2014 and 2018, while Ronaldo received it in 2004, 2007, 2008, and again in 2022 after returning from Juventus.
Other multiple-time winners include club greats like Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Speaking after receiving the award, Fernandes downplayed his own recognition and urged younger players like Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund to step up next season.
“I hope I’m not even in the conversation next year,” Fernandes said. “If they start scoring, assisting, and defending more, and I don’t win the award but the team does better, I’ll be the happiest man.”
Fernandes has so far lifted the League Cup and FA Cup during his time at United. He is also hoping to end the season on a high note by helping the team qualify for European competition and possibly lift another trophy.
