Piers Morgan has expressed his dissatisfaction with the result of the voting for the Professional Footballers’ Association player of the season award, which was won by Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
The winner was chosen by fellow professional footballers, with the result announced on 25 August. Fernandes was named the recipient after being recognised for his performances during the 2025-26 season.
Morgan, a television presenter and Arsenal supporter, was unhappy with the decision. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was among the nominees for the award, alongside Fernandes, Erling Haaland and several other leading players from the Premier League.
Fernandes’ selection came after a campaign in which he scored nine goals and set a new Premier League record for assists, registering 21 in total. Manchester United finished the season in third place.
The award was therefore decided by the players themselves, rather than by a public vote or an independent judging panel. Fernandes emerged from a shortlist that included a number of prominent Premier League performers, including Rice and Haaland.
Rice’s inclusion reflected his importance to Arsenal, while Haaland was also listed among the leading candidates. However, it was Fernandes who secured the honour after producing the highest assist total in the history of the Premier League during the season.
Manchester United’s third-place finish provided further context to the midfielder’s successful campaign. Fernandes’ nine goals and 21 assists formed the statistical basis for his claim to the prize, while the final result was determined through the PFA’s player vote.
Morgan’s reaction has drawn attention because of his support for Arsenal and Rice’s presence on the shortlist. The result means the award went to a Manchester United player despite competition from two of the Premier League’s other leading clubs and their key performers.
The announcement on 25 August confirmed Fernandes as the players’ choice for the 2025-26 season. His record number of assists was the standout achievement of the campaign, while his goalscoring contribution helped Manchester United complete the league season in third position.
