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Manchester United have begun the season on a disappointing note, going down 2-0 to Hull City.

United captain Bruno Fernandes was largely anonymous in the opening match, and still appeared to be working his way back to full fitness after the World Cup.

Before the World Cup, Fernandes had played a key part in helping United qualify for the Champions League after the club finished third in the Premier League.

Bruno Fernandes started the season as a box-to-box midfielder under Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, before moving back into his preferred number 10 position under Michael Carrick in the second half of the campaign.

The Portuguese playmaker broke the long-standing Premier League record for most assists in a single season, ending with 21.

In recognition of his outstanding displays, Fernandes has been named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

“Winning this, being voted for by the ones who every week go out on to the pitch against me, is something that makes me very proud,” Fernandes said.

“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 be recognised by his fellow professionals as the best performer over a season. He also becomes the eighth different Red Devil to win the honour in the Premier League era.

According to The Athletic, when Fernandes first joined from Sporting CP more than five years ago, there was a clause in his original contract stating that the Red Devils would have to pay a further £4.2 million if he was voted for the award by his fellow professionals and went on to win it.

“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 said.

Meanwhile, the Portugal international was handed the award by former United magician Juan Mata.