Fernandes Wins PFA Player of the Year Award

The Portugal international claimed the prestigious award after producing one of the most productive creative seasons in Premier League history.

Fernandes registered 21 league assists, breaking the previous Premier League record jointly associated with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

The 31-year-old also scored nine goals as Manchester United recovered from a difficult start to the campaign to finish third under Michael Carrick and secure a return to the Champions League.

His PFA recognition adds to the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award he received in May.

Fernandes said receiving an award voted for by fellow professionals made the achievement particularly meaningful.

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," Fernandes said.

Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw was named the women's PFA Player of the Year for the second time after another prolific season.

Shaw scored 21 goals as City won their first Women's Super League title in a decade.

Her performances also earned her a third consecutive Golden Boot, further underlining her consistency in front of goal.

Manchester City enjoyed further recognition when Nico O'Reilly was named the men's Young Player of the Year.

The 21-year-old played a major role in City's successful campaign, including scoring twice in the League Cup final victory over Arsenal.

O'Reilly was also part of the squad that lifted the FA Cup and later represented England at the World Cup.

I'm very proud of the season I had," O'Reilly said. "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."

O'Reilly was also selected in the PFA Team of the Year alongside Manchester City teammates Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.

Premier League champions Arsenal supplied five players to the XI, with goalkeeper David Raya joined by Gabriel, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.

Fernandes also earned a place in the team following his record-breaking campaign, while Brentford striker Igor Thiago completed the selection.

The award completes a memorable individual season for Fernandes, whose goals and creativity proved crucial as United climbed the table and returned to European football's top competition.