Fernandez England's best player... and United signs Palip

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) in England named Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as the Player of the Year for last season yesterday, following his leadership of the “Red Devils” to third place in the Premier League. The Portuguese international enjoyed an exceptional campaign, breaking the record for the most assists in a Premier League season with 21 key passes, surpassing the previous mark shared by Frenchman Thierry Henry and Belgian Kevin De Bruyne. The 31-year-old also scored nine goals, helping Manchester United finish third under the management of Michael Carrick, thereby securing their return to the UEFA Champions League.

Fernandes had previously won the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award last May. “It is, of course, a moment of great pride. Those who voted for me are the players you face on the pitch, and it is probably not easy to vote for a player you compete against. Therefore, this is a very special moment,” Fernandes said.

Manchester City star Nico O’Reilly won the Young Player of the Year award after scoring two goals in the League Cup final, which his team won against Arsenal. He was also part of the squad that won the FA Cup last season. The PFA Team of the Year also included Manchester City players Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez, and Antoine Semenyo, alongside O’Reilly.

Arsenal, the league champions, were represented by five players: Spanish goalkeeper David Raya, Brazilian Gabriel, Frenchman William Saliba, Dutchman Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice. Fernandes and Brentford’s Brazilian striker Igor Thiago completed the ideal lineup.

Meanwhile, Manchester United strengthened their squad by signing young Cameroonian Carlos Baleba from local rivals Brighton. The club stated in a press release: “Manchester United is pleased to confirm the signing of Carlos Baleba, pending the completion of registration procedures.” It added: “The Cameroonian international has signed a contract until June 2031, with an option to extend for an additional year.”

United did not disclose the transfer fee, but the specialized transfer website Transfermarkt valued the deal at €75.90 million. The 22-year-old defender has played for Brighton since the summer of 2023, having joined from French club Lille, which signed him in 2022 and gave him his professional debut the following year.

In other news, the second round of the English League Cup continues with two matches: Chelsea will face Luton Town, while Fulham will take on Wimbledon.