Ian Ladyman: Bruno Fernandes Deserves Player of the Season Over Mo Salah

Bruno Fernandes: The Unlikely Contender for Player of the Season

The Football Writers’ Player of the Season award has historically favored stars from title-winning Premier League teams, with seven of the last ten winners coming from the top two clubs. Yet this season, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes—despite his team’s struggles—has emerged as the most influential player in the league, earning a compelling case for the honor.

Fernandes, though divisive outside Old Trafford, has been a beacon of consistency in a chaotic United side. While his occasional petulance and arm-waving antics have drawn criticism, his leadership and output cannot be ignored. United sit 14th in the league, but without Fernandes’ 16 goals and relentless creativity, their plight could be far worse. As Rio Ferdinand noted, the Portuguese midfielder is the “attacking force” holding the team together.

Rising Above the Chaos
Fernandes’ resilience sets him apart. While Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Aleksandar Isak (Newcastle) thrive in stable systems tailored to their strengths, Fernandes has carried United through institutional dysfunction. The club’s ownership turmoil, injury crises, and tactical instability have offered endless excuses for underperformance, yet he’s missed just one league game and delivered crucial goals—including late winners like his penalty against Lyon.

His leadership has also evolved. Once criticized for his conduct during United’s 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool, Fernandes has grown into the captaincy, bridging divides in a fractured dressing room. Insiders describe him as the “glue” connecting players across languages and cultures, while his off-field gestures—like honoring a late staff member with a commemorative flag—underscore his commitment to the club’s identity.

The Competition
Salah remains a favorite, with 18 goals and nine assists for title-chasing Liverpool. However, his success is buoyed by a cohesive system. Isak, too, shines in a Newcastle side built to maximize his pace and finishing. Fernandes, by contrast, operates in a disjointed United team averaging just 1.15 goals per game. His ability to elevate those around him—amid constant turbulence—gives him the edge in the “influence” debate.

Serie A’s Playoff Quirk
In Italy, a bizarre rule could see Inter Milan and Napoli contest a playoff if they finish level on points. While dramatic, it undermines the essence of a league season—a marathon decided by consistency, not a one-off spectacle.

Aluko’s Misguided Critique
Eni Aluko rightly argues that women’s football must prioritize female pundits, but her criticism of Ian Wright missed the mark. Wright has been a vocal ally of the women’s game, using his platform to advocate for equality. Targeting him—a model of support—undermines the broader goal of inclusivity.

Verdict
Fernandes’ mix of stats, leadership, and resilience in a faltering team makes him a worthy Player of the Season. In a year where individual impact outweighs collective success, he stands above the rest.

(Word count: ~650)