Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes's 2025/26 season produced 9 goals and a record-breaking 21 assists in 35 Premier League appearances -- moving him past Thierry Henry's and Kevin De Bruyne's mark of 20 -- and finishing nine assists clear of second-placed Rayan Cherki. It earned him the Premier League Player of the Season, the Playmaker award, and the FWA Footballer of the Year.

The individual peak came against a difficult backdrop: Manchester United sacked manager Ruben Amorim in January 2026 with the club mid-table, yet Fernandes's creative output barely dipped through the managerial change.

As Portugal's vice-captain, his third World Cup ended earlier than hoped -- a 1-0 round-of-16 loss to eventual champions Spain -- a result he called "sad, frustrated, and disappointed" in a since-viral social media post.

Fernandes plays as United's free No.10, drifting wide and dropping deep to overload central areas rather than staying fixed between the lines, which is how his assist numbers stayed so high despite the team's inconsistent form around him.

His set-piece delivery and willingness to shoot from distance are his most repeatable weapons -- the same aggression that produces his highlight goals also produces his least efficient shots.

He enters 2026/27 as reigning Premier League Player of the Season on a Manchester United side still rebuilding after Amorim's January exit -- an individual honour without a matching upgrade in team results.

Portugal's coaching staff under Roberto Martinez lean further on Fernandes as vice-captain as the squad manages the uncertain long-term role of Cristiano Ronaldo.