Bruno Fernandes for Footballer of the Year? John Cross Says No – But Here's Why He's Wrong
John Cross argues Bruno Fernandes can't win FWA Footballer of the Year without a title, pushing Gabriel, Declan Rice or Marc Guehi instead. But Bruno's assist haul and United revival make a compelling case, exposed further by Cross's past votes for trophyless stars like Robin van Persie. This debate highlights the award's individual focus over team success.
Bruno Fernandes Deserves His Flowers – Trophies or Not
Ever catch yourself in a heated pub debate over who's nicking the Footballer of the Year gong? Step forward John Cross from the Daily Mirror, who's kicked off a right storm by declaring Bruno Fernandes doesn't deserve it. His reasoning? Only players from the title-winning side should bag it. Sounds straightforward, until you dig deeper.
Cross penned a mid-March piece slamming Bruno's stellar campaign at a Manchester United side eyeing third spot. Fair play, United's been a rollercoaster, but where would they be without their Portuguese maestro? Assists flying left, right and centre – twice as many as anyone else in the Premier League this term.
Cross's Championship Obsession
Cross admits Bruno's the best Red Devil by a mile, crediting him for United's turnaround. Yet he doubles down: 'It has to come from the team which wins the title.' Cheeky, innit? He touts Gabriel or Declan Rice from Arsenal, or even Marc Guehi as Crystal Palace's mid-season hero who's supposedly shored up Manchester City's backline.
Hang on – City are third since Guehi rocked up in January, trailing United no less. And Palace? They scraped into Europe via the FA Cup, but Guehi was anchoring a mid-table strugglers for half the season. Cross calls him a 'difference maker' if City pip Arsenal. Bold shout, but let's not rewrite history.
He even nods to Dominik Szoboszlai shining for a wobbly Liverpool. Solid player, sure, but Bruno's been on another level – measurably dragging United forward while Liverpool slide.
Bruno's Brilliance in Black and White
Let's talk numbers and nous. Fernandes tops the assist charts, creates chances like it's his job (it is), and leads by example. Critics label him a 'so-called playmaker' who 'doesn't do enough' – despite the stats screaming otherwise. Polarising? Absolutely. Deserving? Undeniably.
United's the most improved side in the league, and Bruno's the heartbeat. As one colleague put it post-Villa thriller: without him, they'd be toast. PFA favourite? Not quite, but FWA Footballer of the Year? Prime candidate.
Cross contrasts with Pep Guardiola's 'non-vintage' City, but overlooks Bruno's individual magic in a faltering team. Hypocrisy radar pinging yet?
The Ultimate Plot Twist: Cross's Own Words
Here's the kicker – Cross once voted for trophyless Robin van Persie in 2012. West Ham's relegated Scott Parker got his nod the year before, then he flipped. Back then, he argued: 'The Footballer of the Year should go to the individual who has had most influence on the season, irrespective of his team’s success.'
Replace 'Van Persie' with 'Fernandes', 'Arsenal' with 'United', and you've got Cross's own blueprint for Bruno. Swapped principles for principles? Arsenal bias from the FWA chair (an Arsenal die-hard)? Mediawatch, as covered by Football365 on OneFootball, smells a rat.
Bayer Leverkusen's brutal title charge and Pep's masterclasses add context, but individual awards aren't team silverware lotteries. They've gone to non-champions before – Parker, remember?
Cross learned a 'lesson' from Parker: back winners. Yet his Van Persie love-in proves otherwise. Bruno's momentum builds, captaincy debates rage, but his impact? Crystal clear.
In a season of chaos, Fernandes stands tall. Title or not, he's the Premier League's standout. Cross might cling to his hill, but the football world sees sense. Who's with me for Bruno?
(Word count: 612)