Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes has been named on the shortlist for the PFA men’s Player of the Year award.
The Man United’s captain’s extraordinary season has been recognised already, earning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year accolades, but this latest trophy will not be handed out until late August.
Fernandes is up against five Premier League rivals for the award, after breaking the seasonal assists record in the division by setting up 21 goals for his team-mates and leading by example throughout the campaign.
Three players are from champions Arsenal – David Raya, Gabriel and Declan Rice. The other two nominees are Manchester City men – Rayan Cherki and leading goalscorer Erling Haaland.
The most recent recipient of the much-respected honour from the Red Devils is Wayne Rooney, who came out on top in 2009/10.
The other Reds to win it are Mark Hughes (1988/89 and 1990/91), Gary Pallister (1991/92), Eric Cantona (1993/94), Roy Keane (1999/2000), Teddy Sheringham (2000/01), Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001/02), Cristiano Ronaldo (2006/07 and 2007/08) and Ryan Giggs (2008/09).
The shortlists are decided by votes made by players for their fellow professionals.
The winner will collect his prize at the 53rd annual PFA Awards Ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday 25 August.
PFA men’s player of the year shortlist
- Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
- Bruno Fernandes (United)
- Gabriel (Arsenal)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- David Raya (Arsenal)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
