Bruno Fernandes Equals Cristiano Ronaldo, Achieves Huge Manchester United Honour
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a record-equalling fourth time. Fernandes is the third player to complete a quadruple of wins, after former teammates David De Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award is decided by fan votes. Fernandes was the clear winner after his impressive individual contributions throughout the campaign. Despite United's struggles in the Premier League, the no. 8 has been inspirational, racking up 38 goal involvements (19 goals and 19 assists) across 54 games.
It's his second-best seasonal tally since joining in 2020, and there is still chance to finish on a high, with everyone eagerly anticipating next Wednesday's Europa League final in Bilbao.
Fernandes is the joint-leading scorer in the competition and has been a pivotal figure during the knockout rounds, with the highlights including his last-16 hat-trick at Old Trafford to see off Real Sociedad and a double against Athletic Club in the semi-final first leg.
De Gea came out on top in four years out of five between 2014 and 2018, while Ronaldo's success three seasons ago added to the accolades he claimed in 2004, 2007 and 2008.
Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Brian McClair, Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy are the only other men with multiple Player of the Year victories since it was first awarded in 1988.
Fernandes, who was also the winner in 2020, 2021 and 2024, came first in the poll by some distance, although Amad may have pushed him closer were it not for the injury that kept him out between February and early May.
Third place went to Harry Maguire, who has come up trumps in key moments throughout the campaign, not least when scoring the dramatic late winner in their 5-4 victory over Lyon at Old Trafford.
Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Jorginho leaves Arsenal, signs for Flamengo before Club World Cup
Italian midfielder Jorginho has joined Brazilian side Flamengo ahead of this month's Club World Cup, following a mutual termination of his contract with Arsenal, both clubs said. Jorginho, whose Arsenal deal was set to expire at the end of the month, has joined Flamengo on a contract until July 2028. The 33-year-old Brazil-born Italy international moved to North London from Chelsea in January 2023, making 78 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal. Arsenal finished second to champions Liverpool in the Premier League in the recently-concluded season. 'We can confirm that we have reached a mutual agreement with Jorginho to end his contract with immediate effect to become a free agent,' Arsenal said in a statement late on Friday. Having started his career at Italian side Hellas Verona before switching to Napoli in 2014, Jorginho won the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup and Club World Cup titles during his time at Chelsea. Capped 57 times for Italy, he won the European Championship in 2020. ALSO READ: Meet Franco Mastantuono — Real Madrid's latest wonderkid target from Argentina 'Jorginho's first assignment with Flamengo will be at the Club World Cup,' the Brazilian Serie A club said. Flamengo will begin its Club World Cup campaign against Tunisian side ES Tunis on June 16 in Philadelphia. The expanded 32-team Club World Cup runs from June 14 to July 13 in the United States with $1 billion in prize money at stake.
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Arise Sir David! Beckham to be awarded a knighthood by King Charles, say media reports
David Beckham, the former England soccer captain who has been an ambassador for the U.N. children's fund for two decades, is to receive a knighthood in next week's honors list from King Charles III, according to U.K. media reports Friday. Without citing sources, the BBC said Beckham is set to receive further recognition both for his soccer career, and his contributions to British society. The knighthood will make Beckham 'Sir David' while his wife since 1999, former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, will become 'Lady Beckham.' In 2003, Beckham was awarded the Order of the British Empire, or OBE, for services to soccer. Victoria Beckham got the same honor for services to the fashion industry in a later New Year Honours list. Honors are awarded twice a year, once at New Year's, and then in June to mark the king's birthday. They are mostly made on the recommendation of the government, though the monarch has input too. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office would not confirm the press reports, as is custom. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. The Associated Press has not been able to independently confirm the award of the knighthood, which was first reported in The Sun tabloid newspaper. In video footage published by The Sun from the Chelsea Flower Show earlier this month, the king is seen asking Beckham if he 'received his 50th birthday present.' The King appeared to say 'I'm glad it got to you,' with Beckham responding: 'It was incredible, thank you, it was very kind.' Beckham and the king have crossed paths on numerous occasions, including at state functions. Last year, Beckham became an ambassador for The King's Foundation, an educational and sustainability charity Charles launched in 1990. Beckham is the only English soccer player to score at three different World Cups and his illustrious career included the treble-winning campaign of 1999, when Manchester United won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League. With 115 appearances for the England national team, Beckham is third in the all-time list. He also captained the side on 59 occasions. After leaving Manchester United in 2003, Beckham played for Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain. He now co-owns the MLS team Inter Miami. His career wasn't always a high, though. After the 1998 World Cup in France, Beckham was widely vilified for his petulant kick of Argentina player Diego Simeone, which saw him sent off. Many fans blamed him for England's exit. In 2023's Netflix documentary series 'Beckham,' he described the abuse he experienced, which included an effigy of him hanging from a noose outside a London pub. 'I knew it was bad at the time, but going over that whole thing was quite a tough one,' he told the AP. The four-part documentary series about Beckham's life and professional career scored him an Emmy in 2024 for outstanding documentary or non-fiction series. Beckham has been a style icon and celebrity and has been a prominent supporter of charities, including UNICEF, which created 'The David Beckham UNICEF Fund' in 2015 to mark a decade's partnership between the two. Beckham also played a pivotal role in London being awarded the Summer Olympic Games in 2012. If the knighthood is confirmed, Beckham would join an elite group of British soccer players to have been knighted, including England's 1966 World Cup winners, Geoff Hurst and Bobby Charlton, and Scotland's Kenny Dalglish.
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Ange Postecoglou breaks silence after Tottenham sack, says he views tenure with pride
Ange Postecoglou broke his silence after being sacked as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, June 6, and said that he looks back at his tenure with pride. Postecoglou ended Spurs' title drought last season by winning the Europa League and getting them into the Champions League. However, Tottenham finished 17th in the points table, finishing with 38 points from as many games, and the London club decided to part ways with the Australian on Friday. This brought an end to his two-year tenure at the club, and he said that it would be one he would cherish for a lifetime. advertisement"When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride," he said in a statement released shortly after his dismissal was confirmed. "The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget."That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.""Postecoglou feels that the foundations that have been laid during his time will mean that Spurs won't have to wait for a long time to achieve success again. advertisement"We have laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success," he said. "I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them," said Postecoglou. The Australian ended his statement by thanking the fans for giving him all the motivation he needed during his time at the club and also had a special message for the players. "I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters," he said. "I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.""And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. We are forever connected," said Postecoglou. Spurs will begin their search for a new manager with Brentford's Thomas Frank being reportedly considered as a favourite at the moment. Tune InMust Watch
