Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick says captain Bruno Fernandes fully deserved to be named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for the 2025 to 2026 season.
Fernandes won the award with three matches still to play in the Premier League, after a standout campaign that helped Manchester United secure UEFA Champions League qualification and sit third in the table at the time of writing.
The Portugal international has scored eight goals and leads the league with 19 assists in 32 appearances, ahead of United’s remaining fixtures against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Speaking to club media, Carrick praised his captain’s consistency and influence, describing him as a worthy recipient of the prestigious honour.
“It’s fantastic. I’m delighted for Bruno and I think he fully deserves it. fully deserved and delighted that he’s got an award like that and he’s one of ours. I don’t think he’s necessarily an individual award-type driven player. I think he’s a team player.”
“He shows that in his leadership and he’s the captain and he leads his group. It just shows that consistency over a long period of time, the level of performance against some fantastic players that are in our league” Carrick said.
