Bruno Fernandes leads PFA Player of the Year contenders as Arsenal trio dominate shortlist

The Portugal international has already been named Premier League Player of the Season and Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year following a remarkable campaign in which he registered a record 21 Premier League assists and helped United recover from a difficult first half of the season to finish third under Michael Carrick.

Fernandes now faces competition from three key figures in Arsenal's title-winning side, with Declan Rice, Gabriel and David Raya all earning nominations after helping the Gunners secure their first Premier League crown in 22 years.

Midfielder Rice contributed four goals and seven assists in 36 league appearances, while centre-back Gabriel was instrumental in a defence that conceded just 27 goals throughout the campaign. Goalkeeper Raya, meanwhile, claimed a third successive Premier League Golden Glove after starting all but one league match.

Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki complete the six-man shortlist.

Haaland secured another Golden Boot after scoring 27 Premier League goals, five more than his nearest challenger, while Cherki impressed in his first season in England with four goals and 12 assists.

The award, voted for by fellow professionals, was won last year by Mohamed Salah after Liverpool's title-winning campaign. Fernandes is bidding to become the first Manchester United player to lift the trophy since Wayne Rooney in 2010.

The PFA also revealed its shortlist for the Young Player of the Year award, with Cherki nominated in both categories following his standout debut campaign.

Manchester City youngster Nico O'Reilly, recently named the Premier League's Young Player of the Season, is also among the contenders, alongside Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi earned recognition after scoring 13 goals in 33 appearances during his first Premier League season, while Arsenal's Max Dowman and Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha complete the shortlist.

The winners will be announced at the 53rd annual PFA Awards ceremony in Manchester on August 25.

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