The BBC confirmed that Fernandes, 31, received 45 per cent of the votes cast by the FWA's 900-plus members — 28 votes more than runner-up Declan Rice of Arsenal, with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland third.
Fernandes has scored eight goals and provided 20 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season, playing a central role in Manchester United's revival under interim head coach Michael Carrick. The club are on course to finish third in the Premier League and return to the Champions League after qualifying with last weekend's 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international joined United from Sporting in January 2020 for £67.7million and made his 300th appearance for the club earlier this season. He rejected a significant approach from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal at the end of last season — with club officials having told him they would not stand in his way — before dismissing further European interest to stay at Old Trafford.
His contract expires in June 2027 with an option for an additional year. In October, Fernandes stated he would not discuss his future until after the World Cup. Given what he has produced this season, the expectation is that United will move quickly to extend his deal regardless, even as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to push for wage cost reductions.
United will end the season without a trophy for the second consecutive year but the individual recognition for Fernandes represents the clearest possible endorsement of what he has contributed across a difficult campaign.
Rooney won the FWA award in 2010 during Sir Alex Ferguson's final years in charge. Fernandes wins it in entirely different circumstances — a club rebuilding rather than defending — which in some ways makes the achievement more meaningful.