Bruno Fernandes named FWA Footballer of the Year in reward for fine Man Utd form

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Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the Football Writers’ Association’s Footballer of the Year.

And Bunny Shaw has made it a Manchester double with a landslide victory after her goals helped Manchester City to their first Women’s Super League title in ten years.

Manchester United captain Fernandes is enjoying the season of his life and scooped the award with 45 per cent of the vote. Fernandes and Arsenal ’s Declan Rice dominated the men’s vote but ultimately the United assist king won by 28 votes.

Portugal star Fernandes has provided 19 assists in the Premier League this season and, with three games left, he is on course to beat Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne who jointly hold the record of 20 in a single season.

United have raced up the Premier League table with Fernandes at his best as they are now set for next season’s Champions League thanks to their captain’s stellar performances. Interestingly, Fernandes was the ONLY Manchester United player to register a vote and is the club’s first winner of the prestigious award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.

Rice finished second while Bukayo Saka , David Raya and Gabriel all got votes from the FWA’s 900-plus members. Manchester City’s leading scorer Erling Haaland was third and is on course to be the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner.

City striker Shaw has won the award for a second time thanks to her amazing goal rush which also sees her top the goal charts in the WSL. She has had another amazing season which has also helped City win the WSL title for the first time in a decade after years of Chelsea domination.

Arsenal’s Alessia Russo - who was last year’s winner - was second while Chelsea star Lauren James finished third.

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FWA chair John Cross, the Daily Mirror ’s chief football writer, said: “Both players have been so influential in their team’s performances this season. They are also such great examples and role models in the game.

“Bruno is on course to break records and has thrilled us with his skill. Bunny is such a worthy winner. She is a fabulous person and an outstanding choice and player.”

The winners will be presented with the awards at a prestigious dinner in London on May 19.