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Bruno sets sights on leading Man United to trophies after PFA recognition
26th August, 2026 10:30 AM
Bruno Fernandes has set his sights on winning major trophies with his club, Manchester United, and the Portugal national team after being named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
The Portuguese midfielder was chosen by his fellow footballers as the best player in English football for the 2025–26 season, edging out Arsenal’s Declan Rice at the PFA Awards ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Following the recognition, he reflected on his unlikely path to professional football, admitting that he never dreamed of reaching such heights but remained committed to honing his craft when he set his mind on the game.
The midfielder also reiterated his dream of guiding both his club and national team to major trophies, alongside helping his teammates win individual accolades in the future.
United’s last trophy
Manchester United last won the FA Cup in May 2024 after edging Manchester City 2–1.
“I still have a lot of dreams. I want to win with my team more than winning individual honours. I want to win trophies with my team and also with my national team, and also help my teammates be here next season at these awards—one of them winning this would be great,” he stated.
His remarks reaffirmed sentiments he expressed eight months ago when discussing his long-term ambitions at Old Trafford. The former Sporting star spoke after committing his future at Old Trafford by signing a new contract extending to the summer of 2027, with the option for a further year.
Ambitions rooted in motivation
“I stayed here because I think I can still win trophies here,” Fernandes explained during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast.
“I would not have stayed if the club hadn’t told me our aim is to reach the highest level possible, get back to winning trophies, and return to being the club we were before. If that wasn’t the goal, I would not have stayed. But because I know the aim of the club aligns with where I want us to be, that’s why I came here in the first place. If I can help get us back there, that’s all I want to do.”
The honour makes Fernandes the first Manchester United player to lift the coveted accolade since Wayne Rooney in 2010. His recognition capping off a record-breaking campaign in which he set a new Premier League record for the most assists in a single season (21).
