BRUNO FERNANDES WINS PLAYER OF THE MATCHWEEK | PREMIER LEAGUE

 

BRUNO FERNANDES CLAIMS PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR PRIZE AS MAN CITY FORWARD BUNNY SHAW WINS WOMEN'S AWARD

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been named the 2025-26 PFA Players' Player of the Year after breaking the Premier League assists record. Meanwhile, Manchester City striker Bunny Shaw secured the women's prize for the second time, and Nico O'Reilly won the Young Player award on a memorable night that celebrated the outstanding performers of the season.

Record-breaking season for Fernandes

Fernandes was crowned the men's PFA Players' Player of the Year following an incredible individual campaign for Manchester United, as reported by Sky Sports.

He broke the all-time record for Premier League assists, setting up 21 goals to surpass Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. He also scored nine times to help Manchester United secure a third-place finish and earn a return to the Champions League under manager Michael Carrick.

Consequently, Fernandes is the first Manchester United player to win the prestigious trophy since Wayne Rooney in the 2009-10 season, adding this prize to the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award he won in May.

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Pride in peer recognition

Reacting to the achievement, Fernandes expressed his delight at being recognised by his fellow professionals across the division. Fernandes said: "It is obviously a very proud moment. They are the ones you go on the pitch against and it's probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment."

In the women's game, Shaw scooped the PFA Women's Player of the Year award for the second time, claiming the trophy after scoring 21 goals to win a third straight Golden Boot and her first Women's Super League title with Manchester City.

Youth stars and merit awards

O'Reilly was named the Men's PFA Young Player of the Year after an outstanding campaign that saw him help England win World Cup bronze. O'Reilly said: "I had a great season. I'm very proud of the season I had. I won two trophies with my club and managed to play at the World Cup with my country. I'm over the moon how it turned out."

Meanwhile, Arsenal prospect Olivia Smith picked up the women's PFA Young Player of the Year title for the second consecutive campaign. Elsewhere, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney received the PFA merit awards for their outstanding lifetime contributions to football.

AFP

What comes next for the winners?

Manchester United have a busy schedule ahead as Fernandes prepares to lead his team in their highly anticipated Champions League return. Manchester City and Shaw will focus on defending their Women's Super League crown when the new season kicks off.

- Moataz Elgammal

PITCH INVADERS TAKE SELFIES WITH FERNANDES DURING MAN UTD FRIENDLY

Dublin (AFP) – Normal time in Manchester United's pre-season friendly against Leeds at Dublin's Croke Park on Wednesday ended in bizarre fashion when two young fans ran on to the pitch to take selfies with Bruno Fernandes.

A pitch invader takes a selfie with Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes during a pre-season friendly against Leeds at Croke Park in Dublin © Paul Faith / AFP

When security did not immediately intervene, at least three other pitch invaders joined in and play did not restart before referee Neil Doyle blew for full-time.

The match, the first game of association soccer at the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 2009, was played in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 80,000.

It ended 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes after Joshua Zirkzee gave United a 16th-minute lead before Leeds equalised just before the half-hour mark, with Brenden Aaronson scoring after good work from former United winger Daniel James.

Noussair Mazraoui scored the decisive spot-kick as Manchester United won 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out.

"First half we were really dangerous and could've had a number of goals," United manager Michael Carrick told ITV. "We played some really good football.

"They came back into the game, and in the second half there were a few changes and it was important to get some minutes in some of our lads.

"The young lads did well, it was everything we expected of them. Winning the game is always nice."

Fernandes missed from the spot before it went to sudden death, but after James Justin's effort struck the crossbar, Mazraoui saw United to victory.

Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford were among those watching on, not involved after only joining the training camp at the start of the week following the World Cup.

Before the match, Carrick said he was holding the trio "in reserve" for Saturday's friendly against former boss Ruben Amorim and AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland -- potentially Rashford's first appearance in a United shirt since December 2024.

"He's our player," said former United and England midfielder Carrick of Rashford, now back at Old Trafford after a loan spell at Barcelona.

"He's come back great, like any other player. I've known him a long time, he gives us something a bit different.

"He's been in great spirits since he's come back."

After several half-time changes, including a debut for United's new 18-year-old winger Tynan Thompson, Leeds should have gone ahead six minutes in when Joe Rodon's low cross found Harry Wilson, but the summer signing shot straight at Senne Lammens.

Fernandes was among six United players to come onto the field on the hour and, having seen one effort ruled out for offside, he hit the crossbar with a curling shot five minutes from time.

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BRUNO FERNANDES CAN LEAVE MAN UNITED ON ONE CONDITION AS TRANSFER RELEASE CLAUSE EMERGES

Bruno Fernandes recently confirmed he intends on staying at Manchester United, but other reports understand there is a transfer clause in his deal

Bruno Fernandes has been open about his future at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes would be allowed to leave Manchester United if a club meets a release clause of £56.68million, according to reports. Fernandes, 31, was subject to interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the summer.

The Portuguese midfielder went on to reject their approach, despite the lucrative salary which would have been waiting for him in the Middle East. He reaffirmed his commitment to United in a recent interview with reporters.

The Unitedskipper made it clear he will not think about his future at Old Trafford until the 2026 World Cup has been and gone. However, it's been reported a clause in his contract provides a route out of the club if another club meets it.

According to BBC Sport, Fernandes' current deal, which expires in the summer of 2027 but includes the option of an additional year, includes a clause which would allow him to depart England. Any club outside of the country would be allowed to snap him up if they tabled an offer of £56.68m.

At present, there is no suggestion he is looking for an exit, as he made clear to reporters. When asked if he is thinking about his future, he said: "As I've always said, I feel good here. I want to achieve my dreams still, but obviously I can't talk by the side of the club.

"I've seen a lot of news. I've seen a lot of people talking that I had an agreement to go already next season. If the club has done that agreement, it wasn't made with me.

"So I haven't spoken with anyone. I could tell you that there are still people talking to me and saying that they will be very eager to have me next year, of course.

"But from my side, that's not talked about. Because my agent also knows how I work, so if he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Because until then, I won't speak to anyone."

Fernandes will make his 300th appearance for United when they face Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening(Image: Manchester United)

Fernandes did go on to admit other clubs in Europe also expressed an interest in his services as well as Saudi Arabia. When it came down to formal offers, none were tabled to United, who are keen on retaining the midfielder's services, while also willing to provide an avenue for him to depart, should he choose to.

The ex-Sporting Lisbon midfielder offered an insight into a discussion he had with United CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. He added: "I spoke with both, obviously. I think the first time I spoke was already in Malaysia, because that was when everything started.

"I had a conversation with Omar and I told him, 'Look, this is what is on the table. I know the club might be looking at this in a way. I will be looking at it in a different way.

"'So I just want to know from your perspective, from your side, what's the point of view, what you guys want to do. And then from there on, I will do my things.'

Fernandes has won the FA Cup and the League Cup with United(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

"And obviously, the first one, Jason said, like Omar said, 'We won't say no. But obviously, it's the thing that we want you to stay at the club. But if you want to go, we won't say that it's not the offer for us, because obviously it's massive money.' As I said this many times, the club's last biggest sale was £20million, probably from Daniel James.

"I'm not very sure. Scott [McTominay] went above that. But to go from that to the big amount that Al-Hilal was, like they could offer £80m, £100m. They were like more than eager to pay for the player to go."

Having arrived on the red side of Manchester from Sporting for £47m in the summer of 2020, Fernandes has contributed 100 goals and 87 assists in 299 appearances for the club.

- Patrick Austen-Hardy

MORE PENALTY MISERY FOR MANCHESTER UNITED AND BRUNO FERNANDES IN BRENTFORD LOSS

Bruno Fernandes failed from the penalty spot again as Manchester United were beaten 3-1 at Brentford.

Igor Thiago’s first-half double put Brentford in command before United were handed a lifeline by Benjamin Sesko’s first goal since his £73million move from RB Leipzig.

Substitute Mathias Jensen sealed matters in the fifth of eight minutes of stoppage time after Fernandes had wasted a golden chance to equalise with the contest having moved into the final quarter.

Bryan Mbeumo, back at Brentford after ending a six-year stay with the Bees in the summer, was dragged down by Nathan Collins in front of goal.

But Fernandes, who missed the target from 12 yards at Fulham last month, was wasteful as Caoimhin Kelleher went to his left and saved with a strong hand.

Brentford had won only once in the Premier League and started the day just outside the bottom three, but an excellent team performances was typified by the excellent Jordan Henderson and Mikkel Damsgaard in midfield and Thiago’s clinical finishing.

Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte and Matheus Cunha returned after United’s win over Chelsea with boss Ruben Amorim’s hand forced by injury and suspension.

Noussair Mazraoui was injured, Casemiro ruled out by his Chelsea red card, and Amad Diallo unavailable due to a family bereavement.

It meant summer signings Cunha, Mbeumo – who received a warm reception on his Brentford return – and Sesko lined up in the United attack for the first time .

Brentford profited from the first main action after eight minutes as Cunha went to ground and Henderson spotted Thiago’s run.

Thiago advanced to crash a shot high off the post past Altay Bayindir, and the subsequent VAR check showed the Brazilian had been played onside by Harry Maguire’s back foot.

Cunha drove wide from 20 yards as United sought to recover from the early setback.

But Bayindir had to make two fine stops in the space of a minute, palming out Sepp van den Berg’s point-blank effort and acrobatically tipping over a Collins header after Henderson had found space.

Brentford were swarming all over United and doubled their lead after 20 minutes.

Maguire played Kevin Schade onside this time and Bayindir could only divert his cross into the path of Thiago, who squeezed the ball over the line despite the desperate effort of the United goalkeeper to salvage the situation.

Sesko fired straight at Kelleher, but the Slovenian striker did not have to wait long to open his United account.

Mbeumo competed with Kelleher under Patrick Dorgu’s cross and the ball fell kindly for Sesko.

Kelleher kept out two attempts – a header and a stabbed shot – but Sesko slammed home at the third attempt and the goal stood after VAR had checked Mbeumo’s challenge on the goalkeeper.

Cunha’s low drive was collected comfortably, but the second half was a more sedate affair until Schade got the better of Dalot and Dango Ouattara was denied by Bayindir.

United’s frustration grew after Collins was spared a red card, despite not appearing to try and play the ball when holding back Mbeumo, and Fernandes missed from the spot.

Jensen’s thunderous drive finally saw off United as jubilant Brentford fans directed cries of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at Amorim.

- Phil Blanche, PA

BRUNO FERNANDES HAS REACHED A MILESTONE AT MAN UNITED

 

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BRUNO FERNANDES PENALTY KICK MEME

 

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LIVERPOOL PREPARED TO SMASH BRITISH TRANSFER RECORD AGAIN TO SIGN ALEXANDER ISAK FROM NEWCASTLE WITH STRIKER STALLING OVER NEW DEAL

Liverpool are prepared to smash their transfer record again to sign Alexander Isak this summer

Liverpool are prepared to smash their transfer record for the second time this summer as Alexander Isak's Newcastle future was cast into further doubt on Tuesday.

The Premier League champions have already made the statement signing of the summer by signing Florian Wirtz for £116million; they supplemented that by landing another Bayer Leverkusen player, Jeremie Frimpong, as well as Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

But the addition of Isak would surpass everything. It will take a new British record fee to secure the Sweden international, in advance of £125m, but Liverpool's intentions are clear: they will move if they receive encouragement.

Adding Isak to the squad would take Liverpool's transfer overhaul to more than £300m

Newcastle remain adamant that Isak is not for sale and want to enhance his £120,000 per week contract - a task that should have been done on the watch of former Director of Football Paul Mitchell - but talks stalled earlier this year and there has been no progress.

Isak is currently with Newcastle's squad in Austria for a training camp and they want to enhance their forward line by adding Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt but, so far, their bid has fallen way short of the German's expectations: they want €100m (£86m) for the France Under-21 international.

Mail Sport understands Newcastle have bid £70m for Ekitike - a player in whom Liverpool also retain an interest - but the structure of what they have offered doesn't tally with what Frankfurt want; it has been a challenging window so far for Newcastle, who have agreed to sell Sean Longstaff to Leeds.

The fee for Isak would surpass the total £116m which they could shell out for Wirtz if all add-ons clauses are met

Liverpool have been determined to add a striker to their ranks since they secured their 20th title and while Isak represents the ideal choice, it is very much the club's modus operandi to have other targets in mind should they be required.

Aside from Isak and Etikete, Liverpool have discussed Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Yoane Wissa, the livewire Brentford forward who was close to joining Arsenal in January. 

Victor Osimhen has also been mentioned during talks with Napoli over Darwin Nunez.

Another intriguing detail is the fact Manchester United's Marcus Rashford's name was floated during a conversation but nothing progressed beyond that; there is little potential for that to be resurrected, given the question marks about his form in recent seasons.

Eddie Howe's side have already bid £70m for Hugo Ekitike, a sign they could be planning for life without Isak

This is an exceptionally busy period for Liverpool, who on Tuesday immediately rebuffed an offer for Luis Diaz from Bayern Munich. 

The German champions made a £58.5m proposal for the Colombia international but that is miles short of the Anfield club's £86m valuation.

That figure is identical to fee Manchester United rejected for their captain Bruno Fernandes from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal at the beginning of June. 

Diaz, who is two years younger than the Portuguese, was the subject of firm interest from Al Nassr.

Newcastle are currently away in Austria for their pre-season training camp (pic: Eddie Howe)

In a situation that mirrors Isak's position on Tyneside, though, sources in Colombia have told Mail Sport that while Diaz has huge affection for Liverpool, he doesn't believe his current salary represents his value to the club. There have been no signs of them renewing the 28-year-old's terms.

Barcelona have also been persistently linked with Diaz but they have not made any contact. 

Liverpool, clearly, will offload some of their squad in the coming weeks. Napoli are the only club to make contact over Darwin Nunez but their offer of £55m, including add-ons, was miles short.

Nunez, who scored in the 3-1 win at Preston last Sunday, was Liverpool's club record signing in 2022 at £84m and the intention is to recoup £70m. England Under-21 pair Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton also have admirers.

- DOMINIC KING

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PREMIER LEAGUE CONFIRM ANDY MADLEY AND MATT DONOHUE DECISION AFTER MAN UNITED VAR CONTROVERSY

Manchester United news as Premier League referee appointments for the mid-week fixtures are confirmed after weekend controversy

Andy Madley will referee in the Premier League this week(Image: Getty Images)

Premier League referee Andy Madley has been confirmed to officiate Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal on Wednesday night following the VAR controversy in Manchester United's draw with Everton.

The Red Devils came from 2-0 down to 2-2 on Saturday thanks to second-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte. However, Everton were denied a late penalty with Ashley Young going down inside the box.

After Andre Onana parried a shot, the ex-United star fell to the floor after minimal contact from Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. Madley initially awarded a penalty to the home side but VAR intervened to change the decision.

Matt Donohue, who was the VAR, suggested that Madley watched the incident on the on-field screen before the referee overturned the decision and no penalty was awarded. After the game, Everton boss David Moyes slammed the decision, claiming De Ligt pulled Young's shirt.

"I can’t understand. He (De Ligt) pulled his jersey," said Moyes. "I just thought the referee made the correct decision at the time and he should stick with it. I think everybody who watches football we're all looking forward to seeing a referee saying 'no, no I'm sticking with it'.

"If it's absolutely clear and obvious that’s what we’ve got VAR for, but I didn't think it needed to get involved. It’s frustrating. It looked to me like the shirt pull needed to be given. You shouldn't be getting away with pulling jerseys."

With Premier League action returning in mid-week, both Madley and Donohue have been handed games. Madley will referee the huge game at the City Ground between Forest and Arsenal on Wednesday while Donohue will oversee VAR on Tuesday for Brighton vs Bournemouth.

Derek Eaton, who was assistant VAR at Goodison Park, will join Paul Tierney in the VAR booth at Stockley Park for Wolves vs Fulham at Molineux. Darren England will referee United's clash with Ipswich Town on Wednesday.

- Josh Holland

BRUNO FERNANDES SPEAKS ABOUT HOW RÚBEN AMORIM'S BELIEFS IS BUBBLING ON PLAYERS

 

BRUNO FERNANDES ON MANCHESTER UNITED AFTER THE LIVERPOOL CLASH

 

MAN UNITED'S RÚBEN AMORIM REVELS IN 'FERGIE TIME' MAGIC VS CITU

Ruben Amorim said he was proud of his players for believing something "magic" could happen in "Fergie time" after earning his biggest win yet as Manchester United manager with a 2-1 win against rivals Manchester City.

United were trailing 1-0 before Bruno Fernandes struck an 88th-minute penalty and Amad Diallo -- hailed as "unstoppable" by his captain -- netted a late winner, befitting of Sir Alex Ferguson's team of old.

"Fergie time" was famously coined about Ferguson's United teams frequently scoring in the allotted stoppage time, and often beyond.

"It was incredible," Amorim told the BBC about the finale at the Etihad Stadium. "I think we deserved it. It was a very tough match but we believe until the end. We managed to score, we needed that win, it was important for us and for our fans.

"We were in the game for 90 minutes and that is very good. We talk about the Arsenal game, we played well in the first half but they were not believing that we could win. Today was so much more different.

"I also believe. Then we have Fergie time and we put the things together and something magic happened. It was a good day for us."

The win at a beleaguered City outfit was a statement victory for Amorim, who arrived from Sporting Club in November, and a much-needed one after back-to-back Premier League defeats. Heading into Sunday, United had lost 2-0 at Arsenal and 3-2 against Nottingham Forest.

"They [the fans] needed it," Amorim said. "Just like us, but you can see the way they celebrate is special. But we need to continue. Our club needs to win these kinds of matches, I understand the happiness of our fans but we need to continue.

"We need to improve a lot of things but today the guys deserved the win. They were in it until the last minute and that is important for us."

Ruben Amorim praised a statement win for his Manchester United team at Manchester City on Sunday. PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

United's saviour on Sunday was Amad who is revelling in a prominent role in Amorim's system, particularly with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho dropped from the squad entirely at the Etihad.

The youngster earned the penalty for the opener and skillfully rounded Éderson for the winner.

Fernandes told Sky Sports about Amad: "He showed again today he is always alive. That is why he gets the penalty, why he gets the goal. He has been brilliant. When he is like this he is unstoppable.

"I just want him to keep working, that is what he has been doing. It is great what he did today but I am sure he can do this every week. We want this week in, week out. He is now getting his chances, deservedly."

Amorim stressed the need for patience with the winger but still praised his progress.

"Erik [Ten Hag] and Ruud [Van Nistelrooy] did a great job with him, we continue that," Amorim said. "Really important. All the players fit in my system. If they want to be in it, if they are talented, every player can fit in this system.

"He can play different positions, he is very humble. We have to be very careful with Amad because sometimes in our club we put young players in a special place. Lets stay calm with him."

- ESPN 

PLAYER OF THE MATCH ON HIS 250TH GAME | BRUNO FERNANDES