Fernandes and Shaw Capture Football Writers' Association Awards for 2025

Bruno Fernandes has claimed the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award after securing 45% of the vote from more than 900 FWA members. In a campaign where Manchester United have struggled considerably, their captain has been the lone bright spot worth celebrating.

With 19 Premier League assists this season, Fernandes sits just one shy of the all-time league record. He's practically carried United back into Champions League qualification on his own shoulders, a remarkable achievement given the chaos surrounding the club at Old Trafford. Declan Rice and Erling Haaland rounded out the top three — both stellar performers at clubs with far more stability. The contrast makes Fernandes' accomplishment even more impressive.

United's First Winner Since Rooney Era

Fernandes becomes the first Manchester United player to capture this honour since Wayne Rooney earned it in 2010. The FWA award has been presented since 1947, making it football's longest-running individual accolade. Rooney's United feels like ancient history now — because it essentially was a completely different club. That the Red Devils have won it again through a player lifting a dysfunctional squad rather than spearheading a powerhouse speaks volumes about Fernandes' contributions this campaign.

From a wagering perspective, his statistical output — chance creation, progressive ball carries, assist percentage — has consistently positioned him among the top value selections for player-of-the-match betting markets throughout the season. Sharp observers saw this award coming from kilometres away.

Shaw's WSL Brilliance Equally Undeniable

Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw captured the women's award after powering Manchester City to the WSL championship — their first league triumph in a decade — with 19 goals across just 21 matches. She edged out Arsenal's Alessia Russo and Chelsea's Lauren James for the recognition, and in terms of pure influence, the margin wasn't particularly tight.

Shaw previously earned the award in 2024. Consecutive FWA honours, plus a league title accompanying this year's recognition. She's been the division's most dependable goal-getter for two straight seasons running.

Bruno Fernandes: 19 Premier League assists in 2024/25, one away from the league record
First Manchester United FWA recipient since Wayne Rooney, 2010
Khadija Shaw: 19 WSL goals in 21 appearances, second straight FWA women's award
Manchester City's first WSL championship in 10 years

Two Manchester sides, two awards, two footballers who've been absolutely impossible to overlook. At least when it comes to individual silverware, it's been a respectable campaign to represent City or United — though the experience varies dramatically depending on which dressing room you call home.