Bruno is the PFA Player of the Year
Bruno Fernandes is the best player in English football, voted on by his peers. He claimed the PFA Players' Player of the Year award on Tuesday night, breaking the Premier League assists record with 21 assists and 9 goals (1)(4)(5). "Winning this, being voted by the ones that every week go out on the pitch against me, is something that makes me very proud," Bruno said (1). Juan Mata presented him the trophy (10).
Sporting CP had a £4.2m clause in Bruno's 2020 contract, payable if he won this exact award (8). His improved contracts since mean United won't have to pay it (8). Asked if he would swap individual prize for a team one, Bruno said: "Quite obviously, everyone would say the same. We don't play tennis" (10).
Zirkzee fully expects to leave
Joshua Zirkzee 'fully expects' to be gone before the September 1 deadline (2). Aston Villa, Napoli and Juventus are all in the frame (2). If he goes, INEOS are likely to sign a centre-forward to rotate with Benjamin Sesko (2).
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Collyer going permanently, Hull and West Brom in
Toby Collyer is set to leave for good. Hull City have joined the race to sign the academy graduate, who spent the second half of last season on loan there (3). West Brom have also held talks (3). United favour a permanent exit (3).
Balde talks go quiet over £38.5m price
United need a left-back, but Alejandro Balde's price is a hurdle. Barcelona value him at €45million, around £38.5m, while United would prefer a loan (6). Old Trafford sources are playing down any deal (6).
Bruno on Baleba: the fans will love him
Carlos Baleba gets a ringing endorsement from the captain. "A very energetic player, strong physically, someone who can push us up the pitch, driving the ball," Bruno said. "Someone very young, also very exciting. I think the fans will love him" (11). Baleba will be unveiled at Old Trafford before the Ipswich Town game on Sunday (11).
The opener stung
Hull City 2–0 Manchester United at the MKM Stadium on Saturday (2)(8)(11). Seventeenth in the table with zero points and a goal difference of minus two. Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Sunday is the first chance to put it right.
Midfield sagas brewing
United are linked with Aurélien Tchouaméni, with a bid of up to €100m mentioned (9). Eduardo Camavinga is reportedly the club's main midfield desire and United are said to be tempting him (12).
Fan-reaktioner
The mood is split between pride in Bruno and frustration about the table. Fans are sharing the moment Mata handed over the trophy and Bruno's tennis line, which landed well. There is less patience for the Hull result, sitting 17th after one game. Bruno Fernandes winning the PFA Player Of The Year
