Wayne Rooney praises Bruno Fernandes

Wayne Rooney’s praise for Bruno Fernandes landed as Manchester United’s captain closed a season already marked by major individual honors. A May 24 post from Manchester United fan account ManUnitedZone circulated comments attributed to Rooney calling Fernandes United’s player of the season and pointing to his goals, assists and influence. The remarks followed the Premier League’s announcement on May 23 that Fernandes had won the 2025-26 EA SPORTS Player of the Season award. The timing gave Rooney’s endorsement a clear setting: Fernandes had already been recognized by the league after a campaign defined by production and durability. ### Where did Rooney’s comments surface? ManUnitedZone shared Rooney’s remarks on X on May 24, presenting them as praise for Fernandes’ season and his role in Manchester United’s team. The post said Rooney highlighted Fernandes’ influence, along with his goals and assists, when backing him as the club’s standout player this season. The social post is the immediate source for the latest circulation of the comments. (premierleague.com) April 2026 reporting also described Rooney making a similar case directly, saying Fernandes should win a top individual award because of what he brings to the team when results are poor. That earlier reporting tied Rooney’s view to Fernandes’ leadership and consistency during the campaign. ### What had Fernandes done this season? The Premier League said on May 23 that Fernandes won its 2025-26 Player of the Season award for the first time after what it called a “sensational” campaign for Manchester United. (nogomania.com) The league’s announcement placed Fernandes at the center of United’s season and confirmed the formal recognition that framed Rooney’s praise a day later. Bruno Fernandes finished the league season with 20 assists and eight goals in 37 appearances, according to reports summarizing the award. Those assist numbers matched the Premier League single-season record previously held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, several reports said. ### Why do Rooney’s words carry weight at United? Wayne Rooney remains one of Manchester United’s most prominent former players and the club’s record goalscorer, which gives his public backing added visibility among United supporters. (premierleague.com) The comments were not issued by the club or the league, but by a fan account amplifying Rooney’s view at a moment when Fernandes’ season totals and awards were already in focus. (newkerala.com) Rooney’s wording, as reported in April, centered less on a single match or statistic than on Fernandes’ role when United were under pressure. That emphasis matched a broader picture in award coverage that cast Fernandes as a decisive figure in United’s campaign. ### How does this fit with the official awards? The Premier League’s May 23 announcement made Fernandes the 2025-26 EA SPORTS Player of the Season, an official league honor voted on after the campaign. (nogomania.com) Separate reports said the award came after Fernandes helped United finish in the top three and return to the Champions League. May 23 and May 24 are the key dates around this story. (nogomania.com) The league named Fernandes its player of the season on May 23, and Rooney’s praise circulated publicly on May 24 through ManUnitedZone’s post on X. (premierleague.com)