Bruno Fernandes in 16-year first as he pips Arsenal star to win FWA Footballer of the Year award

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes’ season keeps getting better.

The Red Devils star has been declared the Football Writers’ Association’s (FWA) men’s Footballer of the Year.

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Fernandes’ crowning marks the first time a United player has won the award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.

How did the voting play out?

The 31-year-old landed 45 per cent of votes from FWA’s membership, which consists of over 900 members.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice finished second and was an agonising 28 votes behind Fernandes.

Manchester City marksman Erling Haaland rounded out the podium in third.

City women’s striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw won the female equivalent of the award, with the pair to be presented with their trophies at the Footballer of the Year dinner on May 19.

“Both players have been so influential in their team’s performances this season,” FWA chair John Cross said.

“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.”

Why did Fernandes win the FWA men’s Footballer of the Year award?

Fernandes’ recognition is the latest in what has been a tremendous season on an individual basis.

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The midfielder has been a creative wizard, evidenced by the sheer number of chances he has created in the Premier League.

According to Opta, Fernandes has created a staggering 120 chances.

To put it into perspective, Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, who is second in the charts, has created 65.

Fernandes has also chalked up a league-leading 19 assists, one fewer than the Premier League record of 20, which is jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

However, with three games remaining, Fernandes will have ample opportunity to surpass the duo and claim the record for his own.

Even if he doesn’t reach the magic number of 20 assists, Fernandes has already broken a key United record.

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The record for most assists by a United player in a Premier League season belonged to David Beckham, who provided 15 in the 1999/2000 campaign.

But Fernandes eclipsed Beckham with two assists during a 3-1 win over Aston Villa in March.

Adrian Durham: There needs to be an asterisk next to Fernandes’ assists

One pundit who will not be amused by the FWA’s decision to hand the men’s Footballer of the Year award to Fernandes is talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham.

In a previous edition of talkSPORT’s Fiery Fridays podcast, Durham branded the notion of Fernandes being declared the Player of the Year as laughable.

Durham even went as far as claiming Fernandes’ 19 assists should have an asterisk next to it because United have not had any European football to contend with this term.

“He doesn’t have the pressure or the physical cost of multiple competitions,” Durham said.

“Show some respect to proper footballers by leaving him out of the player of the year conversation.

“Stick an asterisk next to the assist tally because he’s got his numbers up by not bothering with any other competitions.

“So Captain Calamity can stick all his assist stats in the bin because he got them by taking a week off between games, which is something top footballers don’t do.”