Bruno Fernandes has transformed from being seen as an unfit choice for Manchester United captain to becoming the team’s unifying force and key communicator. His growth and influence both on and off the field make him a worthy candidate for Player of the Season.

Typically, the recipient of the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year award comes from the team that clinches the Premier League title. Over the past decade, this has occurred in seven of those seasons. The only exception was in 2018 when Mohamed Salah earned the honor while representing a Liverpool side that finished fourth.

 

This trend deserves to shift this season. Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United has been the standout performer in the league, and he already has my vote.

 

He’s not particularly well-liked outside Old Trafford — but then again, few United players are. Their fans proudly adopt the “Anyone but United” sentiment, often with good reason.

 

Of course, Fernandes isn’t without his flaws. I’ve criticized him before, especially regarding his leadership as captain. At 30, he occasionally lets his emotions get the better of him, often displaying visible frustration during games.

 

But let’s remember: players like Luis Suarez and Roy Keane have also won this accolade. It’s not reserved for saints — it’s about footballing influence.

 

United are currently sitting in 14th place and have set some unfortunate club records this season. But where would they be without Fernandes? Rio Ferdinand once said the club might be battling relegation without him — a bit extreme, perhaps, but Fernandes’ 16 goals and numerous assists certainly support the idea that he’s been the lifeline of their attack.

 

Fernandes’ influence isn’t just about scoring — it’s about scoring in crucial moments, making game-changing plays, and lifting the team when it matters most. These are the qualities that should determine individual awards.

 

Many might not agree with my choice. Votes will likely go to Salah, Van Dijk, Declan Rice, or maybe Alexander Isak. But the decision depends on how one evaluates greatness. If the award was strictly for the most skilled player, Kevin De Bruyne might have dominated it for the past five years.

 

In my view, the award should recognize impact — how much a player has shaped his team’s fortunes. By that standard, Fernandes has had a more meaningful effect on his club than anyone else in the league.

 

One thing that distinguishes exceptional players from merely good ones is consistency, especially when the rest of the team is underperforming. It’s easy to shine in a strong squad; much harder to stay elite when surrounded by inconsistency.

 

Roy Keane had that trait. So did Beckham, especially with England. Gerrard perhaps. And definitely John Terry. Fernandes is now showing the same qualities — rising as a true leader.

 

The Portuguese midfielder has proven his reliability, missing just one league match all season. Though he started slowly — scoring his first goal only in late October — he hasn’t gone more than five matches without finding the net since. And remember, he’s not a striker and plays for a side averaging just over one goal per game.

 

Context matters too. My other top contenders are Isak and Salah, but both play in systems that cater to them. Fernandes, in contrast, is thriving amid disarray. United are in disrepair — lacking stability, leadership, and squad depth. Yet Fernandes continues to perform, despite the surrounding turmoil.

 

Earlier this year, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticized United’s squad for being overpaid and underperforming. Naturally, Fernandes was the one asked to respond. “The club agreed to the contract,” he said — a calm, measured reply.

 

That’s part of the captain’s burden, and it’s not a light one. Fernandes even admitted he considered leaving last summer. He’s well-paid, but it must be frustrating to feel constantly let down by those around him.

 

Inside United, he’s now viewed as someone who has grown into the leadership role. One insider described him as the “glue” of the squad, while another said he’s “the captain Roy Keane won’t acknowledge.”

 

Despite Keane’s continued criticism, Fernandes hasn’t hit back publicly. A dressing room source describes him as “remarkably tough,” sharing how he often plays through injuries and acts as the link between teammates from various backgrounds and languages. He’s made an effort to understand the club’s culture and fans.

 

For example, when long-time receptionist Kath Phipps passed away, it was Fernandes who organized a tribute flag from the players. That’s the kind of leader he is.

 

Of course, these off-field qualities don’t directly influence a football award. But they speak to his character and growth. His development as a captain has gone hand-in-hand with his progress as United’s No. 10.

 

I recall how he acted during the infamous 7–0 loss to Liverpool two years ago — petulant and visibly frustrated. Gary Neville called him an embarrassment, and I agreed at the time.

 

Back then, I couldn’t imagine a worse candidate for captain. Today, I’ve come to see things differently.