Bruno Fernandes wins FWA Footballer of the Year as Bunny Shaw completes Manchester double

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has won the Football Writers' Association's Footballer of the Year award -Credit:Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has been named the Football Writers' Association's Footballer of the Year. Meanwhile, on the blue side of Manchester, Bunny Shaw took the Women's award, with her 19 goals having helped Manchester City win their first Women's Super League title in a decade. United captain Fernandes is experiencing the best season of his career, claiming the award with 45 per cent of the vote.

Fernandes and Arsenal's Declan Rice dominated the men's ballot, but ultimately the United assist maestro prevailed by 28 votes, as per The Mirror . Jonathan Klinsmann suffers neck fracture as USMNT goalkeeper's agent and club provide updates Real Madrid star hospitalized after locker room brawl with teammate Manchester City Women's Bunny Shaw was also named the FWA's Footballer of the Year -Credit:Molly Darlington/WSL Football/Getty Images The Portugal international has racked up 19 assists in the Premier League this season and, with three games remaining, he is on track to surpass the joint record of 20 in a single campaign, held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. United have stormed up the Premier League standings with Fernandes at the peak of his powers, and the club is now set to return to the UEFA Champions League next season largely on the back of their captain's exceptional displays.

Notably, Fernandes was the ONLY United player to receive a vote and is the club's first recipient of the prestigious accolade since Wayne Rooney in 2010. Rice finished as runner-up, while Bukayo Saka, David Raya, and Gabriel all received votes from the FWA's 900-plus members. Manchester City's top scorer, Erling Haaland, placed third and remains on course to claim the Premier League's Golden Boot.

City striker Shaw has claimed the award for the second time on the back of her excellent goal-scoring record, which has also seen her lead the WSL scoring charts. She has enjoyed yet another outstanding season that has helped fire City to their first WSL title in a decade, ending years of dominance by Chelsea. Arsenal's Alessia Russo — last year's recipient — finished as runner-up, while Chelsea standout Lauren James came in third place.