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Bruno Fernandes has outperformed title-winning midfielder Declan Rice to secure the Premier League Player of the Season award, capping off a remarkable individual campaign.

The Manchester United playmaker delivered a standout season, matching the record of 20 assists first set by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry in the 2002/03 season, a feat later equalled by Kevin De Bruyne for Manchester City during the 2019/20 campaign.

The Portuguese star still has the opportunity to claim the assist record outright on the final matchday, as United prepare to face Brighton, with third place in the Premier League table already confirmed.

Fernandes’ closest rival for the individual award was Arsenal’s Declan Rice, whose leadership and performances were pivotal in helping the Gunners end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.

After also being voted the Football Writers' Association’s Men’s Footballer of the Year — becoming the first Manchester United player to win the distinction since Wayne Rooney in 2010 — Fernandes has continued to outperform the England international in individual accolades.

This season, Fernandes has scored eight Premier League goals, contributing to a total of 28 goal involvements in 37 appearances, playing a vital role in guiding a rejuvenated Manchester United side to Champions League qualification.

Such a turnaround appeared unlikely when Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January, with United languishing in sixth place and struggling for form.

Nevertheless, Fernandes’ performances remained consistent throughout that turbulent period, and he has continued to shine under Michael Carrick, who has since been confirmed as United’s permanent manager after initially taking charge on an interim basis.

This development delighted Fernandes, who expressed his confidence in Carrick’s ability to restore United’s title ambitions during the FWA awards ceremony.

“I hope he’s someone who can take us back to the top of the Premier League because that’s what every player here desires,” Fernandes said.

Fernandes emerged victorious from an eight-man shortlist that included Arsenal’s Gabriel and David Raya, Manchester City pair Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo, Brentford striker Igor Thiago, and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.