By
SABC Sport
26th August 2026
The 31-year-old playmaker became the second Portuguese star following Cristiano Ronaldo to scoop the coveted English award after providing 21 assists last campaign, the most in a single Premier League season.
"Obviously, it means a lot," said the Portugal playmaker to reporters.
"Voted by the players, the ones I step on the pitch to play against every weekend. A different meaning to the other ones that I have got. I am very proud of this one, and it is a very grateful moment for me.
"My dream was not to be a professional footballer. It was to play football for life and, in doing this, have opportunities to represent so many clubs, my national team and to be included with the best in these types of awards is something I would never have imagined."
Fernandes has made 328 appearances for the Red Devils since joining the club from Sporting Lisbon, scoring 107 goals while providing 108 assists and winning two trophies [FA Cup and EFL Cup].
He beat nominees Manchester City duo Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya and Declan Rice to the prestigious award.
